What Kieran McKenna has said about Kalvin Phillips returning to Ipswich Town | OneFootball

Kieran McKenna has previously discussed the future of Kalvin Phillips at Ipswich Town

Kieran McKenna has spoken out about Kalvin Phillips’ future at Ipswich Town following the end of the Premier League season.

The midfielder has spent the year on loan with the Tractor Boys, arriving after the club gained promotion from the Championship.

The 29-year-old made 19 appearances for the Tractor Boys, with the side ultimately suffering relegation back to the second tier at the first time of asking.

Ipswich will now be planning for next season following their 19th place finish, and will have their sights set on fighting for promotion straight back to the Premier League.

But it remains to be seen whether Phillips will be a part of those plans, with the player now set to return to Manchester City now that the campaign has concluded.

Kieran McKenna opens up Kalvin Phillips’ future

McKenna has claimed that Ipswich have not yet discussed Phillips’ future with the club, suggesting his focus has been on getting to the end of the campaign.

He has left the door open for a potential return, with the Northern Irishman revealing that discussions will happen now that the season has concluded.

"Yeah, look, it's not something we've spoke about or looked at too much, in that position, yet, to be honest,” said McKenna, via the East Anglian Daily Times on 16 May.

"I think everyone's focus, certainly mine and in and around the training group, has been around the games remaining.

“That's where everything is.

"I've had very few conversations with many of the players about next year.

“Those conversations will take place maybe a little bit next week, certainly the few days after the season finishes.

“We'll see what comes."

Phillips started 14 of his 19 appearances in the Premier League for Ipswich, managing a total of 1,237 minutes, an increase on his tally of 402 minutes in the previous campaign.

Kalvin Phillips’ Manchester City future

Phillips made the switch to Man City in the summer of 2022, having impressed for Leeds United in the Premier League.

However, he has struggled for game time in Pep Guardiola’s side, with injuries only further hampering his availability.

This has raised question marks over his future throughout his time at the Etihad, leading to loan moves to both West Ham and then Ipswich.

The 29-year-old has a contract with the Manchester outfit until the summer of 2028, but he is unlikely to feature in Guardiola’s plans for the team next season so a sale could be on the cards in the upcoming transfer market.

It remains to be seen whether Ipswich will pursue a permanent option now that their focus is on preparing for life in the Championship.

It is also unclear whether the midfielder would be willing to take the step down to the second tier at this stage in his career.

Ipswich will be aiming to gain promotion to the Premier League next year under McKenna after finishing 16 points adrift of 17th place Tottenham Hotspur.