Phil Hay drops major Leeds United update that will leave supporters devastated - opinion

Phil Hay has dropped a major update on the future of Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

In recent comments made on The Athletic Football Podcast, the Leeds United correspondent stated his belief that, should the Whites go on to suffer relegation from the Premier League on Sunday, it will be a near-impossible task for Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani to convince the 26-year-old to put pen to paper on a new deal at Elland Road, as well as suggesting that it would also be extremely difficult for the club to keep hold of the England international in the summer transfer window.

Concerning Phillips’ long-term future in LS11, Hay said: “With Kalvin Phillips, it’s a little bit more difficult to tell. The club have been hopeful that they might pin him down with a new contract for one more year.

“They know that, ultimately, he’ll want to play at a higher level, but you’re right, if they go down it seems impossible to convince Phillips that it’s good for his prospects given that there’s a World Cup coming up later in the year.”

Considering just how important a part of the Leeds side Phillips has proven himself to be in recent years, the prospect of Sunday being the midfielder’s last game for the Whites is sure to be a thought that will leave the Elland Road faithful devastated.

Indeed, over his 29 Premier League appearances last time out, the £45m-rated maestro was crucial in Leeds securing a highly impressive top-half finish, making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 2.6 tackles, 1.7 clearances and winning 5.3 duels – at a success rate of 52% – per game.

The £38k-per-week talent also impressed in a creative capacity, bagging one goal, providing two assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as making an