Robbie Savage has seemingly questioned Kalvin Phillips possibly leaving Leeds United for Manchester City and stated that he ‘wouldn’t play regularly’ if he were to move, as he told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport.
The former midfielder used Jack Grealish as an example and how he has struggled since swapping the colours of Aston Villa for the Premier League champions last summer.
Well, 12 months later, it seems as though those at the Etihad have made his England teammate, and another boyhood fan, this time of Leeds, their ‘top target’ for the summer.
If Phillips, 26, were to leave Elland Road for the Etihad, whilst he would replace the departing Fernandinho, he would have to compete with Rodri for a regular start in that defensive midfield role.
And, bearing that in mind, Savage can’t see how his possible transfer to Man City would work, as he suggested he should stay, which Leeds fans would love.
“Would Kalvin Phillips play regularly for Manchester City?” asked Savage. “I don’t think he would. Look at Jack Grealish.
“He was the most expensive (British) player at £100 million. He does not play for Man City on a regular basis, so I am looking at Rodri in that position and Kevin de Bruyne. I get it (Fernandinho is leaving).
“Do I think Kalvin Phillips is good enough to take Manchester City to the Champions League? No, I don’t. Do I think he could go to Man City and play in and out of the side? Yes, I do.
“That Man City team have so much of the ball. He is fantastic at linking the defence to the midfield and getting into those little pockets on the half-turn and playing the ball forward, like Rodri does.
“Is he good enough to play in a title-winning side that wants to make it five out of six? Yes, 100%. Do I think Kalvin Phillips can make a difference like Haaland can and take Man City to the Champions League? No.”
PHILLIPS SHOULD STAY AT LEEDS
Leeds are a massive club in England and if they want to return to Europe, then keeping the likes of Phillips is a must.
It’s understandable why he would want to join Man City because they have thrown so much money at trophies over the years that you are now near-on guaranteed a big trophy if you were to join them.
But, that doesn’t mean that Phillips would be a regular player under Pep Guardiola, even if he were to throw big money at signing him.
Staying at Elland Road, enhancing his legacy and getting Leeds back to Europe and beyond would make the hard-hitting midfielder a lot more popular than winning a Premier League title at Man City.
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