This summer saw a few notable departures from Leeds United; Pontus Jansson left for Championship rivals Brentford, Kemar Roofe joined Anderlecht in Belgium, and Jack Clarke moved to Tottenham Hotspur. Another player linked with the London giants was Kalvin Phillips, a key midfielder to Marcelo Bielsa’s side. However, the 23-year-old Englishman has chosen to prolong his stay in Yorkshire with a new deal. This new contract is a symbol of Premier League intent, both from Leeds United and Kalvin Phillips himself.
Kalvin Phillips New Contract: A Sign of Premier League Intent From Both Parties
Key Linchpin Tied Down
After many key outgoings over the summer months, it is a breath of fresh air to have a star tie down their future. Phillips is one of many players whose ability has come in leaps and bounds since Bielsa’s arrival. His ever-rising stock saw summer interest from Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur rebuffed. With a player of such quality signed on, he will surely be involved in their promotion push until the season’s end. He has already featured in all six of Leeds’ Championship fixtures so far this season.
This move will be a crucial decision for and players and fans alike. As a local Yorkshire lad, he will instil faith in the Leeds faithful, and transfer their passion onto the pitch. His steeliness in the midfield is reminiscent of Leeds sides of old, particularly the Don Revie teams of the 70s. The Leeds fan-base will hold faith that Phillips can lead the team to similar successes.
Premier League Intent From Leeds And Phillips
Beating off the competition from Premier League teams shows a real intent off the pitch that Leeds will hope to match next season on it. Phillips would not have rejected such opportunities if he did not see the potential at his current side. These are possibilities that Bielsa also envisages, and it is clear that belief in a return to the Premier League runs from the manager through to the players.
Another point about his new contract is that Kalvin Phillips has demanded a get-out clause. Beyond demanding a raise on his current wage, his contract would include a release clause should Leeds fail to escape the Championship again. While in the short term he is keeping faith with his club side, he is also protecting his Premier League ambition in the long term. As a Leeds local, he clearly wants to take his beloved side all the way, but a football player’s career can fly by. All things considered, this is an ambitious move that demonstrates a pining for the Premier League, both from the club and the player.
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