Sheffield United 'expected' to step up interest in Manchester City's ex-Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips
Sheffield United’s reported stance on ex-Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips after Jairo Riedewald release
Sheffield United are expected to step up interest in re-signing Kalvin Phillips after releasing Jairo Riedewald, according to a report.
Eyebrows were raised when the Blades published their retained list and revealed they had not exercised an option to extend Riedwald’s contract.
The 29-year-old was a reliable operator last term and reports had suggested he was in line for another season at Bramall Lane. However, he has instead been freed to seek pastures new ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Sheffield United interest in Kalvin Phillips latest
Sheffield United are known to be keen on striking another loan deal for Phillips and according to The Star, interest is expected to be intensified after Riedewald’s exit.
The report has claimed the decision to release Riedewald was made partly with a view to getting Phillips back on board.
Phillips joined the Blades on loan from Manchester City in January and made three appearances before succumbing to an injury that brought his season to a premature end.
His injury woes do not appear to have dented the desire of Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder to have the England-capped midfielder at his disposal.
Kalvin Phillips’ career path
Phillips enjoyed his rise to prominence with his boyhood club Leeds United, who developed him from an academy prospect into an established Premier League figure.
He helped the Whites clinch the Championship title in 2020 and later played a starring role in the top flight. His exploits in West Yorkshire prompted Manchester City to fork out a reported £45m for his services in 2022.
The move across the Pennines pumped the brakes on his rise, as competition for places at the Etihad Stadium proved stern. Prior to being sent to Bramall Lane, Phillips had loan stints at West Ham United and Ipswich Town.
Now 30, the Yorkshireman is determined to ensure his career does not fizzle out in the coming years. After his loan switch to Sheffield United, he told Sky Sports: “Any player that's been in my situation, I think first and foremost they'll come out and say not playing has been the major reason for them maybe having a dip in their career or whatever.
“And I just feel like staying idle, so many players have done it, where they've stayed at the club for so long and not played. And then their careers have fizzled out. I didn't want that to happen.
“I still feel like I've still got some life in me. I've still got some football in me to play, and I'm looking forward to the next three or four years.”