The next Kalvin Phillips: Farke must unleash Leeds' 17-year-old sensation

Kalvin Phillips will go down as a Leeds United legend, given his time as a player at Elland Road, whilst also departing the club for a mammoth price tag.

The 29-year-old ended up making over 220 appearances during an eight-year stint in the first-team after developing through the ranks after joining the club as a 14-year-old.

He joined Manchester City for a fee in the region of £45m back in the summer of 2022, but he’s struggled to make a huge impact at the Etihad, spending the past two seasons out on loan.

Phillips has only registered 31 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side, before linking up with West Ham United in 2023/24, whilst spending the current year on loan at Ipswich Town.

It’s a shame to see such a decline after being a pivotal member of the first-team squad during the promotion-winning season under Marcelo Bielsa, but he could be set for an emotional return this summer.

Leeds’ move to re-sign Kalvin Phillips this summer

Over the last couple of days, reports have emerged linking Phillips with a return to Yorkshire in the summer transfer window regardless of promotion from the Championship.

Journalist Graeme Bailey confirmed to Leeds United News that he “firmly believes” that the 29-year-old will return to his boyhood side in the upcoming transfer window – with the familiar surroundings allowing him to get his career back on track.

However, negotiations will be needed to have with City regardless of whether the deal is permanent or temporary, with the midfielder allowed to leave for a fee in the region of £20m.

Such a fee could be too expensive should Daniel Farke’s side fail to end their two-year stint in the second tier, opening the door to a loan move, but a compromise will need to be made given his £150k-per-week wages.

Should they be priced out of a deal, the German could turn to the academy setup, opting to utilise one player who could follow in Phillips’ footsteps and thrive with regular minutes in Yorkshire.

The Leeds teenager who could be the next Kalvin Phillips

The Leeds academy has played a key role in the club’s success over recent years, as seen with Phillips, but also Archie Gray, with the teenager breaking through the ranks last season.

The 19-year-old was a key member of Farke’s side last campaign, before departing in a £40m deal to join Tottenham Hotspur, with Phillips and Gray leaving for a combined £85m.

However, the club could be about to unleash another talented teenager in the form of 17-year-old midfielder Ollie Pickles, who has caught the eye with his form this campaign.

Whilst the youngster is yet to make a senior appearance in his career, he’s managed to rack up 22 games across various youth levels in 2024/25, impressing with his box-cashing style of play.

Pickles has registered five goals and two assists to date, with the star having “immense potential” according to one analyst, as seen by the previous interest in his services.

Spurs and Newcastle United have previously both been keen on a deal for the teenager, looking to prise him away from Elland Road, but the Whites have so far been able to deter any attempts.

However, Pickles has the talent to succeed, as seen with his goalscoring ability, potentially dropping into a deeper role should he make the first-team, just like Phillips did under Bielsa.

Whilst many fans would want a reunion with the current Manchester City man this summer, it may be a deal that’s not financially responsible, undoing all the excellent work conducted in recent times.

Their academy has shown time and time again that it’s capable of producing talent, with Farke needing to put faith in the likes of Pickles to shine and follow in Phillips’ footsteps of thriving in Yorkshire and potentially making the club a fortune down the line.

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