Danny Murphy claims Leeds star will leave the club, if they don’t get promoted

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Danny Murphy has told TalkSPORT (Monday, 10:10am) that Kalvin Phillips will leave Leeds United next summer if the club do not gain promotion, despite the midfielder signing a new five-year deal.

Phillips, 23, has already clocked up 151 appearances in all competitions for the Whites, and is now arguably the club’s most important player as he continues to anchor Marcelo Bielsa’s midfield. He was named in the Championship TOTY last season.

The Thorp Arch academy graduate was linked with a move to Aston Villa in the summer and was believed to be a subject of a bid from the Midlands side. However, he has since signed a five-year deal at Elland Road.

But the contract may not stop Phillips from leaving at the end of the season. Murphy reckons that if Leeds fail to gain promotion come the end of the season, Phillips will leave despite his new deal.

“I’m surprised he’s still there, he’s calm, he’s tenacious, an excellent passer of the ball. I really like him. If Leeds don’t go up, I expect he will leave the club. The new five-year deal is just the club protecting their assets.”

TBR’s view – Phillips will not be the only to leave, if Leeds don’t go up

Phillips’ head will be turned next summer if Leeds do not go up. The player wants to play in the Premier League with Leeds, but he will be 24 by the end of the season – and he may have to realise his dream with another side.

But Phillips – who has also been linked with a potential England cap – will not be the only pivotal Leeds figure to leave the club if they do not go up. Perhaps the only other person more important than Phillips will leave, in manager Marcelo Bielsa.

Leeds must go up this season, or lose their two most important personnel.