Liverpool can pluck reported transfer target Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United for a cut-price fee if the Yorkshire club are relegated from the Premier League.
That’s according to The Daily Mail. They claim that ‘most’ of the Leeds players have relegation clauses in their contracts. These would allow rival clubs like Liverpool to whisk their best players away for under market value.
The most high-profile potential departures could reportedly be Raphinha, Patrick Bamford and Phillips. It’s claimed that the relegation release clause average out at ‘around £30m’ per player.
Leeds are reportedly ‘relaxed’ about the situation. However, it’s claimed that they are preparing for ‘multiple clubs’ to bid for Raphinha and Phillips in particular whether they go down or not.
Liverpool linked with Phillips
Phillips has previously been reported to be on Liverpool’s radar this summer. Back in January, The Mail claimed that The Reds had been put ‘on alert’ for the England international due to his desire to play in the Champions League.
The fee reported back then was £33.4m – not too far away from the figures discussed today. Should Leeds stay up, they’ll be counting on a bidding war to hike that as high as possible.
Around the £30m mark would sound about right for a player like Phillips. He has international pedigree, has done well in the Premier League and is approaching his peak. Jose Mourinho even called him ‘amazing’ via TalkSPORT after his displays for England at Euro 2020.
By the same token though, he has never played at Champions League level and, as well as he’s done, Phillips has only played 45 games in the top flight.
Other options more attractive to The Reds
Liverpool are reportedly ready to alter the make-up of their midfield this summer. It seems that they are looking for players more in the 22-24 bracket though.
Phillips will turn twenty-seven later this year. For the price being talked about, he’d have to be coming in to command a starting spot straight away.
With the quality that Liverpool possess in the middle of the pitch, that simply doesn’t look like happening.
Liverpool might well take advantage of Leeds’ situation if they do go down. But that’s more likely to be with a move for Raphinha rather than Phillips.