Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has strongly dismissed the rumors connecting Kalvin Phillips with a January move back to Leeds United, labeling the speculation as “nonsense.”
Despite Ipswich and Leeds competing in different divisions following Ipswich’s promotion to the Premier League last season, both clubs still have intertwined fates. Leeds, which had hoped to secure promotion last season, only managed a play-off position but fell short in the final to Southampton.
To strengthen their squad’s top-flight experience, Ipswich brought in Phillips, a beloved former Leeds midfielder, on loan from Manchester City. He was instrumental in Leeds’ solid return to the Premier League in his previous stint, and Ipswich anticipates he will bring similar stability.
However, recent reports from Football Insider hinted at potential dissatisfaction from Ipswich with Phillips’ performance, particularly his perceived lack of mobility. Additionally, it was speculated that Phillips himself might prefer a return to his former club Leeds, stirring up rumors that Ipswich might cut his loan spell short.
McKenna firmly refuted these claims following Ipswich’s recent 4-3 loss to Brentford. With injuries depleting their midfield, leaving only two fit central midfielders, including Phillips, McKenna stressed that releasing him would be ill-advised.
He addressed the speculation directly, stating, “What can I say on that? Proper, proper nonsense… It’s absolute nonsense. There have been no conversations of the like.” McKenna praised Phillips’ recent performances, particularly highlighting his contributions to the team.
Meanwhile, Leeds manager Daniel Farke has also faced questions about potential returns of former players, like Archie Gray, who joined Tottenham in a £40 million deal. On this topic, Farke was clear: “I don’t speak about other players who are under contract at other clubs… Our fingers are crossed for Archie and his whole career.” He refrained from further comment on players no longer at Leeds, maintaining a professional distance from transfer speculation.
Though a return for Phillips could help Leeds with their current injury struggles, particularly with captain Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev sidelined, McKenna’s stance and Phillips’ current role at Ipswich make such a move unlikely.
This lack of realistic opportunity for Phillips to rejoin Leeds, compounded by his priority to remain in the Premier League to enhance his England squad prospects, suggests the midfielder will stay put at Ipswich for now.
