Sheffield United fans have their say as Blades consider second Kalvin Phillips transfer swoop this summer
The prospect of Sheffield United signing Kalvin Phillips on loan for a second time in this summer’s transfer window has split opinions among supporters.
As reported by The Star on Wednesday, the Blades are exploring the prospect of re-signing the Manchester City midfielder, with the 30-year-old keen on returning to Bramall Lane for a second stint in S2 next term.
Signed on loan from City for the remainder of the season on the final day of the winter transfer window in February, Phillips has been unable to make the impact he would have hoped for due to a mixture of injury and suspension-related issues. He has made just three appearances and has not featured since being sent off in the Blades’ 2-1 win over arch rivals Sheffield Wednesday on February 22.
Nevertheless, he has had a positive impact away from the pitch on a Saturday afternoon with his presence said to have rubbed off on youngsters such as Oliver Arblaster and Sydie Peck. United coaching staff are also understood to have been impressed by his attitude.
Phillips’ deadline day switch to Bramall Lane a little over two months ago was a deal that was widely considered as a coup. Despite his injury record, Phillips, when he is fit and firing, is a quality player with bags of experience.
This summer is shaping up to be the subject of a big shake up at Bramall Lane amid manager Chris Wilder’s desire to rebuild his squad after last summer’s events left the Blades behind the eight ball. He wants to put his own stamp on proceedings by recruiting the right levels of quality and the right characters to boost United’s chances of competing higher up the Championship table next term.
News of United exploring the possibility of re-signing Phillips this summer has split opinion among the fan base, not least because of the England international’s recent injury record. He has played just four games for United and City combined this season, completing a full 90 minutes on just one occasion.
In a bid to try and gauge fan opinion, The Star’s United Facebook page invited supporters to have their say on the prospect of Phillips returning to Bramall Lane next term, and responses were mixed to say the least. Here is a flavour of what some supporters had to say...
Jon Griffiths said: “I think if we can get a full pre-season with him, he would be good next season. We all know there’s a player in there, he’s just not had a lot of football recently.”
Jordan Bodfield commented: “100%. Class player. If we get him on a cheap loan, it’s a no-brainer.”
Richard Mace posted: “Depending on wage and a full assessment from our medical team, yes, I would [re-sign him].”
Bill Harding argued: “We need players who can play for 100 minutes next season, not 60.”
Adrian Rawling said: “We always seem to gamble on players with major fitness issues.”
Scott Wyld posted: “I'd like to see him fit to start with, then we'll take it from there.”
Sean Glover commented: “No, wages are too much, need to get them down drastically in summer.”
Martin Wigfield remarked: “Of course we would [take him back]. He oozes talent. £40 million worth at one point. Sign him up. Wilder will get him back to his best.”