England international Kalvin Phillips “could be tempted” by a big-money offer from Newcastle United, says pundit Kevin Campbell.
What’s the latest Newcastle United transfer news?
Phillips, who has enjoyed a stunning rise from the Championship to playing a starring role for England at the delayed Euro 2020 tournament, has been linked with a move to St James’ Park.
The Mirror have previously suggested Newcastle could offer the Leeds star up to £120k-per-week while Mark Douglas of iNews has claimed the 26-year-old is one of the names on the club’s transfer wish-list.
While not a young player, it would seem fair to suggest Phillips’ peak is still ahead of them and, with Premier League experience, the Leeds star would fit the profile of player Newcastle have so far signed in the PIF era, Bruno Guimaraes aside.
Just how good is Kalvin Phillips?
As promising a start as Guimaraes has made at Newcastle, few would doubt the midfield department has been severely underfunded over the years.
Aside from the Brazilian international and Joe Willock, Newcastle haven’t paid a fee for a midfielder since Mikel Merino in 2017. Clearly, building a team is about more than just writing big cheques but when the calibre of loan signings and free transfers include Ki Seung-yueng and Nabil Bentaleb, the midfield was always going to suffer.
Although Phillips’ season has been ruined by injury this time around, it’s hard to doubt his quality. According to FBREF data, the Leeds academy graduate ranks within the leading 81% (at least) of central midfielders playing across Europe’s big five leagues over the past year for: pressures (30.47), tackles (3.45), interceptions (2.22) and blocks (2.59) per game.
Those statistics would suggest Phillips is one of the best defensive midfielders on the continent, although it would be interesting to see how those would stand up when not playing in a relatively unique Marcelo Biesla team. Still, the fact he has performed well for England too speaks of a player capable of adapting.
What has been said of Kalvin Phillips?
Speaking to Football Insider, pundit Campbell said: “I think he’d be tempted by Newcastle.
“The numbers could be serious for a player like Kalvin Phillips. He is a top player who is strong, an England international and is getting better every season.
“Leeds will be desperate to keep hold of him but I’m not sure if they will.”
