With the end of the season edging ever closer, Leeds United will be hoping they will have secured promotion from the Championship, ending their two-year stint in the second tier.

Daniel Farke was unable to get the club out of the division at the first attempt, losing in the play-off final against Southampton last time around, but he has returned with a vengeance this campaign.

The German has led the Whites to top spot with just nine games remaining, hoping to maintain their unbelievable form, which has seen them lose just once in the league since November.

Burnley and Sheffield United are their nearest challengers, with just four points separating the sides as they all look to secure a return to the top-flight of English football.

However, if Farke is to claim a third Championship promotion of his managerial career, he will need to make some key additions to prevent an immediate relegation – with one former player touted for a return to Elland Road in recent days.

Kalvin Phillips’ potential return to Leeds this summer

Midfielder Kalvin Phillips captured the hearts of the fanbase during his period as a player at Elland Road, becoming a crucial player during the Marcelo Bielsa era.

The Argentine dropped him into a more deep-lying midfield role, getting the best out of his passing ability, racking up 234 appearances for his boyhood side before departing in a £45m move to join Manchester City in 2022.

He’s only managed 60 appearances since his move, including two loan moves to West Ham and Ipswich Town, leading to a report emerging that he could return to Yorkshire should they achieve promotion.

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds already have a verbal agreement with the player ahead of a move, with Pep Guardiola’s side already aware of the potential interest.

Whilst the prospect of resigning the fan-favourite seems like a dream for both parties, Farke could decide against pursuing such a move by unleashing one youngster already on the books of the Whites.

The player who Farke could unleash at Leeds next season

The midfield department has been one full of quality this campaign, with Ao Tanaka cementing his place at the heart of the side after his move from Fortuna Düsseldorf in the summer.

Joe Rothwell is another player who’s emerged as a key player in recent months, but given the fact the 30-year-old is only on loan this campaign, no return is guaranteed for 2025/26.

His departure could open the door for 21-year-old Darko Gyabi to finally stake his claim for a regular starting role after making just six appearances since arriving in a £5m deal from City as part of the Phillips deal.

The midfielder has spent two years out on loan at Plymouth Argyle, making 40 appearances across all competitions this campaign, catching the eye with some of his displays in recent months.

Gyabi, who has previously been dubbed “truly exciting” by Ben Mattinson, starred in the FA Cup victory over runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool – completing the most dribbles and tackles of any player in the meeting.

Games played

35

Goals & assists

3

Tackles won

70%

Duels won

6.8

Dribbles completed

58%

Chances created

0.9

Pass accuracy

83%

His overall figures from this season in the Championship are hugely impressive, winning 70% of the tackles he’s entered, whilst also coming out on top in 6.8 duels per 90 – showcasing his excellent ball-winning abilities.

The youngster has also thrived in possession, completing 58% of his attempted dribbles, creating 0.9 chances per 90 – a phenomenal figure for a deep-lying player, making him perfect for Farke’s system.

The thought of Phillips returning would undoubtedly excite all supporters after his previous stint at the club, offering top-flight experience to a relatively youthful squad.

However, the form of Gyabi away from Yorkshire in recent times is evidence of the quality he is capable of producing – more than deserving of a place in the first team next season – having the potential to improve further given his tender age.

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1 ByEthan Lamb