Kalvin Phillips spotted at Wembley as Leeds United reunion dented

Kalvin Phillips was spotted among the Leeds United supporters on Wembley Way prior to their Championship play-off final against Southampton.

The boyhood Whites supporter watched from the stands as he saw his former side fall to defeat against Russell Martin’s side thank to Adam Armstrong’s 24th minute strike. The midfielder spent eight years at Elland Road having risen through the club’s academy before completing a move to Manchester City in 2022.

But since his move to the Etihad Stadium, the 28-year-old has struggled to nail down a first-team spot under Pep Guardiola, making just 31 appearances in all competitions. Phillips secured a loan move to West Ham United in the January transfer window in the hopes of being in contention for Gareth Southgate’s EURO 2024 squad, but he again struggled with the Hammers.

That subsequent dip in form has seen him linked with a move away from the Premier League champions this summer, with the likes of Newcastle United and Fulham thought to be interested in his services. There were also reports of a sensational return to Yorkshire, but failure to secure an immediate return to the top flight has seemingly extinguished those hopes.

Prior to kick-off in the capital, the England international was spotted mingling with Leeds supporters as he made his way to the stadium. Phillips is still a popular figure among Whites fans having helped the club secure a return to the Premier League during the 2019/20 season, and his presence at the play-off final showcase his love and commitment to his former side.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano believed that if Daniel Farke’s side had beaten the Saints on Sunday afternoon that a return to Elland Road was a possibility. However, given the financial implications surrounding the club now after failing to achieve promotion with it reported that the Yorkshire club owe £190million in transfer fee instalments to other sides, that move seems unlikely.

Leeds could be forced to sell around £100million worth of players to ensure they comply with financial regulations heading into next season. The likes of Crysencio Summerville, Illan Meslier, Wilfried Gnonto and Georginio Rutter have all been cited as potential options for the club to offload in the summer.