Wolverhampton Wanderers have allegedly had their eye on a certain Kalvin Phillips – yet latest quotes from a former Leeds player suggest it might be harder to complete than first thought.
According to Football Insider, the 24-year-old had agreed on a buy-out clause within the five-year deal he signed earlier in the season, which could see him depart for a fee around £20m.
The clause, reportedly not denied by United, has also been reported by many other news outlets, and will only come into effect if Leeds cannot secure promotion to the Premier League this season.
However, the same outlet is now reporting that this information could be bogus, as within an interview with ‘well connected’ former player Michael Brown, he says that he believes the figure agreed would far surpass the £20m mark.
Would Phillips Be A Bargain For £20m?
Definitely At The Price
We Can Find Better
When asked about the release fee, Brown responded: “It’s more than that. Much more, yes.
“The fee that they might have to pay will still be a little bit borderline for clubs to take but I think he’s developing well enough that someone could think: ‘Do you know what? I think he could be the real deal.’
“You look at some clubs, they’re paying £20million at the top of the pitch for players coming out of the Championship but for a midfield player, it’s a really big call to go over that figure.”
With Wolves currently having the central midfield options of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho, some fans might not be too concerned if they can’t get this deal done, as this Vital piece suggests.
Wanderers fans shouldn’t be so quick to judge, though, as Phillips has undoubtedly been one of the best players in the league over the past few seasons. Furthermore, the Leeds academy prospect has a few strings to his bow, and could be employed at centre half as well as midfield, like he has done for Leeds on occasion.
Phillips’ stats speak for themselves. According to WhoScored, he contributes 2.9 tackles per match – the sixth highest in the division. Furthermore, with the ball, he acts as the club’s quarterback. His 5.5 long balls per game is higher than anyone else in Leeds’ team, and his average of two key passes per game is only bettered by Pablo Hernandez.
Wolves fans might not like the idea of spending £20m on a player from the Championship, but with Moutinho heading well into his mid-30s, he has potential to be playing in that midfield in the years to come.
