Ex-Leeds United defender’s warning to Kalvin Phillips over Man City transfer

Former Leeds United defender Tony Dorigo has warned Kalvin Phillips about the problems he could face at Manchester City, should he complete a move to the Premier League.

The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Etihad and ManchesterWorld understands there is genuine interest from City.

The Mirror recently reported that Leeds have lined up a replacement for Phillips and are ‘braced for a bid’ from Pep Guardiola’s side, with the Athletic also reporting there is yet to be an official offer from City.

However, with a deal looking very much like it could happen in the coming weeks, Dorigo penned a personal letter to Phillips warning him of the struggles he could encounter at the Etihad while also claiming he would ‘elevate his game’ under Guardiola.

You’ll be ‘one part of the squad’

Writing in the Yorkshire Evening Post, the 56-year-old, who represented Aston Villa, Chelsea and Leeds in his career and earned 15 senior England caps, said Phillips is ‘still living the dream’ of playing for his boyhood club.

“It’s clear you feel that very deeply but, at some point, and it could be this summer, it might be that you want to try and fulfil your full potential, see how good you can be and what you can win,” Dorigo continued.

“Your career has accelerated to a point that you might not have thought possible and now Manchester City want you and PSG are on the phone.

“Then there’s Manchester City, the elite, with an infrastructure, manager and players so good you can’t really find better elsewhere. It’s a club at the top of its game.

“That then brings in one or two issues about game time,” he warned. “How many games would you play, would you be the number one holding midfielder or would Rodri?

“What City have shown is that they have two teams; they can change at will and I suppose that’s the modern game when you want to attack on every single front for every single trophy. You need two players in every position.

“You’ll have to accept, if you find yourself at City, that you won’t be relied upon like you are at Leeds and it’ll be a very different scenario, although one that I’m sure could elevate your game again.

“At elite clubs, it’s wall-to-wall superstars and, suddenly, you’re one part of the squad, not the main man. From what I’ve seen, you’re such a level-headed lad that I’m sure you could take anything in your stride but it’s something to consider, along with the third option that will always be on the table - staying at Leeds United.”

Dorigo added Phillips has been ‘simply superb’ during his spell at Elland Road and that no-one would ‘begrudge him a move’.