Leeds United’s 1-0 loss to Southampton in last season’s Championship play-off final had far-reaching consequences that are difficult to fully comprehend. In the aftermath of that pivotal moment at Wembley, plans were reshaped, key players departed, and Daniel Farke had the task of reinvigorating his squad for another shot at promotion.
The defeat also had a major effect on the signings Leeds could pursue during the summer transfer window, as the lure of Premier League football was no longer a bargaining chip. One deal that fell through as a result was a potential emotional return of former Leeds star Kalvin Phillips.
Phillips, a fan favourite at Elland Road, had always been expected to leave Manchester City in the summer, with reports suggesting a loan move to Leeds was on the cards. However, after attending the play-off final at Wembley with Leeds supporters, Phillips chose to join newly-promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town, though he admitted it was a difficult decision, given his connection to his boyhood club.
“Even if Leeds had been promoted and Ipswich had made it through the play-offs, it still would have been a tough choice,” Phillips said. “I love the story of Ipswich. The more I learned about the team, the manager, and the club’s rebuild, the more I was drawn to it.”
He added, “I’d played with a few of the players here, and I could tell they were good people. I could sense the type of team it would be if I joined. I needed a squad that was united, where I could enjoy coming in every day. I wanted to play regularly in a hardworking team of fighters. Ipswich felt like the perfect fit, and I still believe that.”
Phillips has appeared in eight matches for Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich this season, though he will miss their upcoming game against Manchester United after receiving a red card for two yellow cards in their 2-1 win over Tottenham before the international break.
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