Pep Guardiola has already agreed with Chris Wilder about Kalvin Phillips amid Sheffield United transfer plan
The prospect of Sheffield United bringing Kalvin Phillips back to Bramall Lane for a second time this summer has split opinions among the fan base.
United signed the midfield enforcer on loan for the remainder of the season from Manchester City on deadline day in February, pulling off a deal what many considered to be a major coup.
Despite his injury problems in the last few years, Phillips is a fabulous player, highlighted by his collection of Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup winners’ medals. He also played a starring role in helping England reach the final of the rearranged European Championship in 2021.
Having cost City £45million just under four years ago, United, considering their position in the Championship table, did well to attract a player of Phillips’ calibre. It was a statement signing and it most certainly turned heads.
Unfortunately for him and the Blades, the move has not worked out thus far due to a mixture of injury and suspension-related issues. With just five games of the season to go, Phillips has made just three appearances in United colours.
Nevertheless, as reported by The Star on Wednesday, United are exploring the prospect of signing Phillips on loan for a second time this summer. The 30-year-old is also understood to be keen on the idea of returning to Bramall Lane.
This summer is set to be the subject of a major rebuilding project in S2, meaning manager Chris Wilder is determined to ensure the club gets its recruitment right. He has often spoken about the need to recruit the right characters, meaning his comments about Phillips since crossing the Pennines just over two months ago make it understandable why United are keen on the idea of signing him for a second time.
“Just to let people know, we’re not paying full wage recovery as people understand it,” Wilder said. “It’s a deal that Steve Bettis did, which was a brilliant deal for the football club.
“It covers us on so many aspects. And he passed the medical as well. So we’re not signing this player that’s injured before all that comes out. The deal that we’ve got is an outstanding deal. An outstanding deal and an outstanding character and a player.”
Since joining City from Leeds United in July 2022, Phillips has struggled to nail down a regular starting berth in manager Pep Guardiola’s plans, making just 32 appearances across all competitions. His move to Bramall Lane marked the third time he has been sent out on loan, previously spending time at West Ham United and Ipswich Town respectively.
As far back as December 2023 Guardiola apologised to Phillips for his lack of game time, using the opportunity to hail his character.
"I'm not very pleased [with myself] and I am so sorry for him,” said Guardiola, as quoted by Sky Sports. “I will not say that [to him] because it is a business and I have to be a professional.
"But if one guy behaves [poorly], I don't care. But the way he behaves with the teammates and everyone, I care. So that's why hopefully it can turn around. And I've said many times, if it comes to January and he stays, I'm more than pleased because he trains really good and he's a lovely guy and character."
With Wilder hungry to recruit the right characters this summer, Phillips certainly ticks that particular box. The Star understands the midfielder has made a positive impression on his teammates during his time at Bramall Lane and United coaching staff have been impressed by his attitude.
Despite recently undergoing a minor knee operation, Phillips could feature before the end of the season, offering United the chance to run the rule over him on the pitch before making a concrete decision ahead of the summer.