In a recent interview, England international and Ipswich Town midfielder Kalvin Phillips has spoken out about his career regrets and desire to return to his boyhood club, Leeds United. After rising through the ranks at Leeds, Phillips left for Manchester City in 2022, a move he now reflects on with mixed emotions. Speaking candidly, Phillips admitted, “I wish I never left Leeds. It’s always been home for me, and I’ll love to return back soon.” The statement has resonated deeply with fans of Leeds United, who still hold the midfielder in high regard.
Phillips’ journey began in 2015 when he made his senior debut for Leeds United. An academy graduate, he quickly established himself as a key player under manager Marcelo Bielsa. Known for his versatility, Phillips was deployed as a deep-lying defensive midfielder, a role that saw him flourish as the engine of Bielsa’s high-intensity pressing system. During the 2019–20 season, he played a pivotal role in guiding Leeds back to the Premier League after a 16-year absence, a triumph that marked a turning point in his career.
His performances not only earned him a place in the Championship Team of the Season but also caught the attention of England manager Gareth Southgate. Phillips made his England debut in 2020, and by 2021, he was a key figure in the national team’s run to the UEFA Euro 2020 final. His rise from a hometown hero to an international star was meteoric, but by the summer of 2022, Manchester City came calling with an offer that proved too tempting to resist.
Phillips signed for Manchester City in July 2022 in a £42 million deal, joining the then-Premier League champions. The move was expected to elevate his career to new heights. However, his time at City was far from what he had hoped for. Injuries hampered his progress early on, and he underwent surgery on his shoulder just months after joining the club. As a result, Phillips struggled for game time, often finding himself on the bench behind established midfielders like Rodri and Ilkay Gündoğan. Despite being part of the Manchester City squad that won the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League treble in 2023, Phillips’ personal contribution was limited.
One of the lowest points during his time at City came when manager Pep Guardiola publicly criticized Phillips for returning from the World Cup “overweight.” Although Guardiola later apologized for the remarks, the damage was done. Phillips struggled to regain form and fitness, and by January 2024, he was sent out on loan to West Ham United for the remainder of the season.
The loan spell at West Ham proved equally challenging. Phillips made eight appearances but endured a turbulent time at the London club. His performances were underwhelming, and his attitude was questioned by coaches. In one incident after a 4–3 defeat to Newcastle United, Phillips, visibly frustrated by criticism from West Ham fans, responded by showing his middle finger to the crowd. “It was a low point in my career,” Phillips confessed. “The pressure got to me, and I made a mistake. I regret it, but I’ve learned from it.” His time at West Ham ended without much fanfare, and reports emerged that the coaching staff had been “shocked” by his lack of motivation and poor performances.
Following the disappointing spell at West Ham, Phillips was loaned to Ipswich Town in August 2024. Now playing for the newly promoted Premier League side, Phillips is determined to get his career back on track. His first appearance for Ipswich came in a League Cup defeat to AFC Wimbledon, and although his current stint is still in its early stages, his focus remains on improvement.
Despite his current situation, Phillips’ heart remains firmly with Leeds United. “No matter where I play, Leeds United will always be in my heart. The fans, the atmosphere, everything about the club—it’s special,” he said. “I hope one day I can wear the Leeds shirt again.”
Leeds United fans have embraced Phillips’ openness about his regret, and many would welcome him back with open arms. Phillips’ time at Elland Road was marked by his hard work, passion, and dedication to the club, traits that made him a fan favorite. As he continues his journey with Ipswich Town, Phillips remains hopeful that his story with Leeds United is far from over.
For now, however, Phillips is focused on proving himself once more. His career has been marked by ups and downs, but his desire to return to Leeds is unwavering. Whether or not that opportunity will come remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Kalvin Phillips’ connection to Leeds United is as strong as ever, and the possibility of a return could reignite the spark that first made him a star at Elland Road.
