Chris Wilder confirms intention to sign Manchester City midfielder

Chris Wilder confirms intention to sign Manchester City midfielder

• Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has opened the door for a permanent move for Kalvin Phillips.
• The Man City hierarchy are prepared to negotiate a structured exit for the midfielder.
• Securing a former England international would represent a major statement of intent for the Blades’ 2026/27 ambitions.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has confirmed the Blades’ intention to re-sign Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips in the summer market.

The 30-year-old midfielder arrived at Bramall Lane during the 2026 January transfer window, seeking a career resurgence after a challenging ongoing period in Manchester, marked by two difficult loan spells away from the club.

Since his move to South Yorkshire, Phillips has become a prominent figure in Wilder’s squad, despite Sheffield United currently sitting 17th in the Championship table as they navigate a hugely challenging period on the pitch.

His stint at Bramall Lane follows underwhelming loans at West Ham and Ipswich, but the former Leeds United star appears to have finally found a settled environment as City hold the door open to a permanent or semi-permanent exit for the midfielder this summer.

Do Sheffield United want Kalvin Phillips permanently?

Now, speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield off the back of similar lines of reporting, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder confirmed that those at Bramall Lane would love to welcome back Kalvin Phillips to the club into the 2026/27 season.

“He’ll have a lot of people still after him,” Wilder warned supporters of the Blades when it comes to their chances of securing Phillips in the summer. “We’ve brought a really good pro in,” he continued.

“He was unlucky with his injury and he’s not played as much as he wanted to play. I spoke to him and said we’d love to be an option for you, your agent and your parent club [Manchester City] if that is a possibility.

“He certainly ticks the box in terms of personality and characteristics, off the pitch and on it. If there’s an opportunity I’m sure we’ll try and explore that one.”

Could a deal really happen for Phillips and City?

With Manchester City seemingly considering bringing an early end to the midfielder’s contract – which currently runs until June 2028 – to allow a free exit, the Blades are seemingly in a prime position to strike a deal.

However, much will depend on whether Sheffield United can provide the financial stability required to match Kalvin Phillips’ salary ambitions as they aim to move away from the lower reaches of the Championship.

Phillips remains sidelined with a knee issue but is expected to return for the final games of the current campaign. Success in these remaining fixtures could prove pivotal in convincing the 31-cap England international that Bramall Lane is the right place to rebuild his career.

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