Leeds have started talks to sign their new Phillips for £50m

During Leeds United’s previous spell in the Premier League, the fans were lucky enough to see the quality of midfielder Kalvin Phillips on a consistent basis.

The Englishman, who is a product of the club’s academy, was a regular at the heart of the Whites’ side for numerous years, subsequently offering a superb all-round presence.

His phenomenal passing ability, alongside his tremendous ball-winning capabilities, made him a fan-favourite – even resulting in a spell in the England national side.

However, he would depart in a £45m deal to join Manchester City back in the summer of 2023, which brought his 12-year association with the club to an end.

There’s no denying his career hasn’t taken off since his switch to the Etihad, but the hierarchy are in the market for their next version of the fan-favourite this summer.

Leeds make enquiry to land Premier League sensation

Over the last couple of days, Leeds have ramped up their efforts to land a new midfielder, subsequently turning their attention towards Sporting CP star Hidemasa Morita.

It’s been reported that Daniel Farke’s side have already offered the 30-year-old a contract ahead of the summer, with his deal set to expire at the end of June.

Whilst no deal has yet been reached between the parties, the signs look positive over a move, with the Japanese international potentially being the club’s first summer signing.

However, Morita isn’t the only player who’s currently on the hierarchy’s radar, with Wolverhampton Wanderers star Joao Gomes another target being considered.

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds have already made an enquiry to the relegated side over the possibility of landing the Brazilian international during the summer window.

The report also states that the 25-year-old is expected to depart Molineux after relegation, with Atletico Madrid another side who remain in the race for his services.

Whilst no fee is mentioned for his signature but he has previously been touted at £50m.

Why Gomes would be Leeds’ next Phillips

Phillips’ departure from the heart of the side played a huge part in Leeds suffering relegation to the Championship in 2022/23, resulting in Farke needing to rebuild the squad.

During the two years in England’s second tier, the German recruited the likes of Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu – with the latter now sitting as the club’s captain.

Both played an influential role in taking the Whites’ return to England’s top-flight and have often featured at the heart of the midfield together in recent months.

The summer arrivals of Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff have only bolstered the midfield ranks further, but that could be about to change with any deal for Gomes.

Although he suffered relegation with Wolves this season, the Brazilian has been a star performer within Rob Edwards’ side – whether that be in or out of possession.

He’s demonstrated qualities similar to those of Phillips in recent months, with the 25-year-old able to emulate the Englishman in thriving at Elland Road.

Gomes, who’s been dubbed “one of the best midfielders” by former teammate Matheus Cunha, has completed 86% of the passes he’s attempted this campaign.

Such a tally is comparable to that of Phillips, who often caught the eye in Yorkshire for his tremendous ability to pick out a teammate – whether that be with a short or long pass.

He’s also completed 1.4 dribbles per 90 this campaign – at a success rate of 65% – with both tallies ranking him in the top 10% of midfielders in the Premier League.

However, Gomes’ ability to regain the ball for his side is arguably his best asset, as seen by his remarkable tally of 7.2 ground duels won per 90 this campaign.

Like his dribbling ability, such a tally places him highly amongst other players in the league, once again placing him in the top 10% of players in the division.

Other tallies, such as 12.3 defensive contributions per 90 and 3.4 tackles made per 90, only add to his incredible ball-winning ability – something which Phillips also became known for in Yorkshire.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the Brazilian could cost this summer, but there’s no doubting that such a move would massively improve the options at Farke’s disposal.

The pressure would no doubt be on him to catch the eye at Elland Road, with the likes of Ampadu, Stach and Tanaka all thriving under the manager’s guidance this term.

However, should he reach the levels of Phillips upon any move, such a move would be a bargain and one that could allow the Whites to once again rise up the Premier League table.