Kalvin Phillips’ answer to a question on his way into West Ham training shows his heart is still with Leeds United.
Just as West Ham had to watch homegrown midfield hero Declan Rice move on to pastures new, so too did Leeds United when it came to Kalvin Phillips.
West Ham have signed former Leeds star Phillips on loan from Man City for the rest of the season.
But it has been a long time in the making.
Hammers boss David Moyes has chased Phillips for two years, dating back to his time at Leeds.
But West Ham’s £50m offer to sign him back then was rejected and he joined Manchester City for £5m less a few months later – as confirmed by Moyes himself since.
Phillips’ answer to question shows his heart is still with Leeds
As is the case with some Hammers supporters and Rice, many Leeds fans were unhappy with Phillips for leaving his boyhood club for Man City.
Things did not work out for the midfielder at the Etihad and that has finally led him to east London.
But it is clear he still has strong feelings for his old side.
Because Phillips’ answer to a question on his way into West Ham training shows his heart is still with Leeds.
West Ham have a massive game against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
Phillips backs 49ers due to Leeds link
And later that evening billions will be tuning in to watch the Super Bowl as Kansas City Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers.
The 49ers group owns Leeds United.
West Ham’s media team asked players to name who they wanted to win the big NFL finale as they made their way into Rush Green.
And Phillips’ answer showed he still very much loves Leeds.
Nice to see players retain boyhood club connection
“I’m going to have to go 49ers,” Phillips said.
“Because they’re in collaboration with Leeds United.
“The owners own Leeds United so I’m going to have to go 49ers,” Phillips said with a massive grin.
Might it be a problem for Hammers in summer?
You can take the man out of Leeds but you can’t take Leeds out of the man it seems.
It’s great to see players retain that sense of loyalty and connection with “their” clubs.
It might also prove significant for West Ham and Leeds this summer too.
If West Ham do want to make the midfielder’s move permanent, they could face competition from Leeds should they get promoted back to the Premier League.
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