According to the latest reports from Daily Star, Aston Villa have yet not given up on the transfer of Kalvin Phillips, and they are set to test Leeds United’s resolve by launching a £20m bid. Villa had earlier made a bid of less than £20m, but the Whites rejected that. At the time, the Yorkshire outfit had slapped a price tag of £30m on the midfielder.
It seemed like it did the trick in terms of United scaring away Villa. However, now it looks like Leeds United will face a nervous time in keeping hold of their prized midfielder.
Bielsa’s main plan is said to be sending away less critical players in this window. Phillips is considered as one of the first names on the teamsheet, and there is no doubt that Bielsa will fight tooth and nail to keep the star midfielder. Villa have already shown their ambition in this transfer window as they have spent big money to sign Wesley Moraes.
Why the Whites cannot afford to sell Phillips even for £30m?
Even if Villa matches Leeds United’s valuation, the Whites will find it hard to get a replacement for Phillips. The English midfielder was even named in Championship’s team of the year last season. The 23-year-old played in the deepest role in midfield and formed a good base of attack for his side. When the time called, he even filled in as a centre back for the Whites during an injury crisis.
The defenders often looked to pass to Phillips to orchestrate and build up attack from the back. His composure and temperament on the ball was second to none. To go with his on the ball qualities, the midfielder also acted as a disruptor. Phillips’ reading of the game was often immaculate, and he nicked a lot of 50-50 balls from the opposition. He played a crucial part in deploying the high press.
Not many midfielders in the Championship can do what Phillips regularly did last season. Therefore even with £30m in Leeds United’s hand, the Whites will find it hard to replace him. They might have to look to sign players from the top division as a replacement, but it would be tough to lure a player from a top-flight club to the Championship.
So Bielsa needs to tread carefully. £30m might feel like a good offer, but there is no guarantee that his replacement would hit the ground running straight away. As for the latest £20m bid, there is no doubt to us that the club should turn it away without thinking much. The Whites will seriously derail their chances for the next season if they decide to cash in on the player this summer.
