Ian Wright has claimed that Leeds United realised that they simply had to let Kalvin Phillps go and he thinks the fans are ‘happy he is gone’, as he told Wrighty’s House.
The England midfielder’s move to Manchester City was confirmed on Monday, with Wright adding that those at Elland Road would have been even more ‘delighted’ that he didn’t join Manchester United.
There were a host of clubs keen to add the hard-hitting number six to their ranks, including those at Old Trafford, who are now managed by Erik ten Hag, as reported by The Athletic.
Now, boyhood Leeds fans have done the unthinkable of swapping Elland Road for Old Trafford before, but not Phillips, who will now look to become a Premier League champion next season.
Nonetheless, with Manchester City paying just over £40 million for Phillips, this is what Wright had to say about the move and the transfer fee that has been paid.
“They have realised ‘we have to let him go’,” said Wright. “So, there is going to be something in them that’s going to say ‘we want as much as we can get’.
“I think even if they got another £10 million, they would still think they would have needed more because he is so good. They have seen him for so long and they love him so much.
“But the main thing is, they are happy that he is gone and delighted that he’s not gone to Manchester United. I am just pleased that he is going to a club that needs that player and they need him to play like he does.”
DIFFERENT BALL GAME FOR PHILLIPS
In Yorkshire, Phillips was the main man, the one in the middle of the park who would balance everything out for the team.
But it’s a different ball game at Manchester City where one of the world’s best, Rodri, is ahead of him and will remain ahead of him.
It’s going to be interesting to see how Pep Guardiola uses the two because he doesn’t like playing with two defensive midfielders.
So, from that perspective, Phillips might find that his game time is restricted, although, they do compete in every competition and go deep in those tournaments.
He should get his fair share like that, but he’s no longer the big fish or the main guy and it will be interesting to see how he reacts to it all.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
