Dominic Matteo thinks Daniel Farke now has three players who are ready to play in the Premier League, but Leeds United has been pushed to sign one more.
Kalvin Phillips is expected to rejoin Leeds United during the summer transfer window, according to Dominic Matteo. After moving on loan from Manchester City to West Ham in January, the 28-year-old midfielder has found it difficult to make an impression, which has cost him a spot in the England team.
Only three of Phillips’ nine appearances for the Hammers this season have been starts. His contract at the Etihad Stadium expires in 2028. At St. James’ Park last month, he made his final appearance for David Moyes’ team as a substitute against Newcastle United.
The former Leeds star entered the game in the second half to assist West Ham in defending a 3-1 lead, but the east Londoners were never in control of the match after he came in. The Magpies had an opportunity to rally when Phillips was ruled to have fouled Anthony Gordon in the box shortly after he entered the game.
Eddie Howe’s team got one back via a 12-yard strike from Alexander Isak. A few minutes later, the Sweden international threaded Harvey Barnes in behind the West Ham defense after finding a gap in the center of the park between Phillips and Tomas Soucek.
After Isak passed the ball, the former Leicester City winger grabbed it to equalize. Then, as the game was coming to an end, Barnes blasted past the Manchester City midfielder, who was valued at £42 million, on the outside of the box and sent the ball past Lukasz Fabianski into the bottom corner.
Phillips has not been used as a substitute in the last two games played by West Ham. Despite his unfortunate experience at the London Stadium, Matteo believes the “Yorkshire Pirlo” may bounce back by joining Leeds United.
Football League World cited the former White defender as saying, “[Ilia] Gruev, [Glen] Kamara, and [Georginio] Rutter have impressed me this season, but the Premier League is a step up,” in an interview with William Hill.
“I think these three gifted players can succeed in the Premier League, but having a strong group is crucial. For Leeds, Kalvin Phillips was exceptional. He gave it his all, and his efforts earned him a call-up to the England team, where he now plays a vital role.
“Phillips hasn’t played much since joining Manchester City, which is bad given the kind of player Phillips is. He should be playing more frequently, but he hasn’t Although it’s all part of Manchester City’s setup, Phillips needs more playing time.
“The loan to West Ham isn’t going as he would have wished and a move back to Leeds United could be a welcome one, for him to regain his confidence, match fitness and be part of a team where the fans will be on side when he puts in the type of performances he gave in his first spell.”
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