England star Kalvin Phillips completes fourth loan transfer since joining Man City after Sheffield United horror season

KALVIN PHILLIPS has returned to Sheffield United on loan. The Manchester City midfielder spent the second half of last season at Bramall Lane but only managed three appearances before a knee injury curtailed his stint. Kalvin Phillips has returned to Sheffield United on loan Credit: Getty The midfielder made just three appearances for the club while on loan last season Credit: Getty This will be his FOURTH loan at City, with him not featuring in the Premier League for the club since 2023, with two years still left on his deal. Phillips was sold by his boyhood club Leeds United, who are rivals of the Blades, to City in 2022 for £42.5m but has only started two league games for them. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Blades boss Chris Wilder was keen to bring in Phillips for a second time to give him options in midfield while he faces losing Gustavo Hamer to Coventry City. Wilder said: “We’ve stayed in contact with Kalvin throughout the summer and in those conversations what was always clear was both sides wanted to make this happen. “Clearly, there has had to be a degree of patience to get a deal completed. Make no mistake, this is a good deal for the football club, and I have to thank the owners and Stephen Bettis for their diligence and persistence to get this one done. “Since the first day Kalvin walked through the door here, he instantly ticked the boxes in terms of personality and character, both on the field and behind the scenes and he offers more experience in a crucial area of the pitch. “Kalvin is a winner; he’s achieved plenty in his career and he’ll set the example to this young squad we have here.” Meanwhile, Phillips commented: “This was the move I wanted. Most read in Sport CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Phillips was sent off for a knee-high challenge in his third appearance for Sheffield United last term Credit: Alamy “My time was spoiled by my last game and the injury after that so I’m here to put that right. “The squad is similar to what it was last year, I’m happy to see everyone and I’m looking forward to coming back fighting fit. “It is a good feeling to walk back through the doors in Shirecliffe, I see that the pre-season has been tough and the lads have come out flying so I’m happy to start training and get involved.” The midfielder’s last contribution for the Championship side came in a derby win against Sheffield Wednesday – when he was sent off for a knee-high challenge on Svante Ingelsson. He then missed the remainder of the season with a knee injury. Phillips prepared for the upcoming campaign by working on his fitness with Jack Grealish last month. The pair spent 36 minutes on an exercise bike in a 40C chamber before returning to Man City for official pre-season. Comment now