Sheffield United have re-signed Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips on a season-long loan, months after an injury cut short his first spell at Bramall Lane. The 30-year-old made just three appearances following an initial loan move in February, sidelined by a knee problem after also being sent off in the Steel City derby against Sheffield Wednesday. Despite the injury, Phillips remained with the club for the rest of that loan spell.
"This was the move I wanted. My time was spoiled by my last game and the injury after that so I'm here to put that right," Phillips told the club website. "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."
"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," manager Chris Wilder said. "Clearly, there has had to be a degree of patience to get a deal completed," he added. "Make no mistake, this is a good deal for the football club, and I have to thank the owners and [Blades CEO] Stephen Bettis for their diligence and persistence to get this one done."
Wilder said Phillips's contribution went beyond the pitch during that first loan spell. "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," the manager said.