When it comes to ill-fated transfers, Phillips might just be penning the sequel to The Curious Case of Benjamin Button — but in reverse. After swapping the raucous Elland Road for Manchester City’s glistening Etihad dreams in 2022, Phillips’ move has devolved into a cautionary tale rather than a midfield masterclass. Now, Manchester City is prepared to let him go for a cut-price £20 million, hoping someone — anyone — will save them from filing this chapter under Expensive Misadventures.
Why Manchester City are ready to say “Cheerio” to Phillips
Phillips has spent more time on the bench polishing his medal collection than orchestrating midfield symphonies. Despite witnessing City’s historic Treble up close (well, from the dugout), his chances to deputize Rodri were slimmer than Pep Guardiola’s hairline. After a fleeting, uneventful loan spell at West Ham and a blink-and-you-miss-it stint at Ipswich Town, City’s patience has thinned faster than a Yorkshire cup of tea.
Could Leeds United swoop back in for Phillips?
Naturally, Phillips is now fluttering his eyelashes at Leeds United, hoping his boyhood club might rescue him from Etihad purgatory. But Leeds, freshly promoted to the Premier League, seem more preoccupied with champagne corks than midfield conundrums. Though City are willing to sweeten the deal with a handsome payoff, Elland Road’s interest currently lies somewhere between lukewarm and absolutely not.
Phillips himself admits life at City wasn’t all roses
Phillips hasn’t been shy about the struggles. “You can train with the best every day, but if you’re not playing, it’s difficult to stay fit, it’s difficult to stay confident,” he confessed last year. Somewhere along the way, he lost that fire-in-the-belly that made Leeds fans chant his name louder than a Friday night pub quiz.
The final whistle?
At 29, Phillips is at a crossroads: rediscover the spark or risk becoming Premier League trivia. For now, Manchester City has hung the “For Sale” sign — and this time, they’re throwing in a hefty discount and perhaps even free shipping.
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