BREAKING NEWS- As Per Skysports, Leeds close to landing first summer move with Midfielder who desperately ‘wants’ Leeds United move this summer now a step closer after latest development

Ex Leeds Star could be on the verge of making a heartfelt and highly anticipated return to Leeds United this summer, as uncertainty surrounding his future at Manchester City continues to grow.

Since leaving Elland Road for the Etihad in 2022 in a £45 million move, Phillips’ time at Man City has been far from successful. The England international struggled to break into Pep Guardiola’s star-studded midfield, making only a handful of appearances. Loan spells at West Ham United and, most recently, Ipswich Town, also failed to rejuvenate his career. While he showed flashes of his quality, he never truly settled or hit his stride.

The recent relegation of Ipswich from the Premier League stands in stark contrast to the triumph of Leeds United, who clinched the Championship title on the final day of the season to earn their place back among England’s elite. Now, with the club aiming to re-establish itself as a top-flight force, Leeds are preparing to spend significantly in the transfer market—reportedly up to £100 million—and Phillips is firmly on their radar.

Daniel Farke is eager to bring in players with proven Premier League pedigree, and a reunion with Phillips would not only provide that experience but also boost the morale of the fans, many of whom still hold the midfielder in high regard. Phillips was a key figure during Leeds’ previous spell in the Premier League and remains a beloved product of their academy system.

In a potential twist that could accelerate Phillips’ return to Leeds, Man City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly issued a strong ultimatum to the club’s board. The Spaniard has made it clear he won’t tolerate an oversized squad going into the new season. He wants a more manageable group of players and is prepared to walk away if his demand isn’t met.

“I told the club I don’t want a big squad,” Guardiola recently stated. “I don’t want to leave five or six players frozen out. I don’t want that. I will quit. If you give me a smaller squad, I will stay. It’s impossible for me to tell players they won’t even be in the squad.”

Guardiola’s stance could open the door for multiple departures from City this summer, with Phillips among those expected to be offloaded. While the midfielder remains under contract until 2028, City might now be more willing to sanction a cut-price transfer or at least a subsidised loan in order to trim the squad. For Leeds, that could be a golden opportunity.

Earlier reports suggested that Leeds were exploring a loan move as a financially viable way to bring Phillips back, especially given his current wage demands. However, with Guardiola’s insistence on a leaner squad, there’s now a realistic chance that Phillips could be sold outright—possibly at a discount. Any move would likely require Phillips to accept a pay cut, but that appears to be something he’s open to if it means returning to his boyhood club.

According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Phillips is not just a passive party in the discussions—he’s actively pushing for a return to Elland Road. “Leeds are watching the Phillips situation very closely,” Bailey said. “He wants to come back. It might not be a permanent move at first, but Leeds should absolutely make every effort to bring him back. He’s still an excellent Premier League player and would be a huge asset.”

Leeds’ new ownership group, the 49ers Enterprises, and manager Daniel Farke now appear to have a clear path to secure Phillips’ return. Should they find a way to navigate the complexities of his wages, this could turn out to be one of the most astute signings of the summer window—a move that would not only strengthen the squad but also reconnect the team with its passionate fanbase through one of its homegrown stars.

The stars may finally be aligning for Kalvin Phillips to come full circle and don the white shirt of Leeds United once more. With both the club and the player eager to make it happen, and Guardiola ready to trim his squad, a deal this summer feels more possible than ever.