Leeds United boardroom's transfer risk vs reward debate revealed in behind-the-scenes footage - Leeds Live 20/7/23

A documentary charting Kalvin Phillips' rise through the ranks has been released and includes Elland Road boardroom footage of his Manchester City transfer being discussed

Footage of the Leeds United boardroom debate that would ultimately culminate in Kalvin Phillips' transfer to Manchester City have been included in a new documentary that charts Kalvin Phillips' rise from the Thorp Arch academy to his part in the Citizens' treble-winning campaign.

Phillips left his boyhood club in July 2022, ending a 12-year stay when he completed a £42million move to Man City, shortly after Leeds had preserved their Premier League status for another season following their final day win at Brentford.

For most Leeds fans, there was sorrow at seeing one of their best homegrown talents of recent times leave, but a level of understanding, given the opportunity presented to him, both financially and competitively, given he was moving to a team that would challenge for - and eventually win - the Champions League.

But now, in 'The Road to City' which has available on Prime Video, behind-the-scenes footage from the Elland Road boardroom has lifted the lid on a debate between Andrea Radrizzani, Angus Kinnear and Paraag Marathe, as the risks and rewards presented by both keeping and selling Phillips were raised.

“The scenario, we hope for the best," then-chairman Radizzani said. "I would never sell Kalvin. But, I think the money could come in at £65million or £70million.

"With £65million we should talk to the manager and Victor [Orta] because you could buy another good striker, two strong midfielders. But I don't know, it's a difficult call.”

Radrizzani added that it may have benefitted Phillips' career to remain at Leeds until after the 2022 World Cup, which took place in November and December.

"I would like him to stay longer. I think for us it's better - even for himself - to play the World Cup and then eventually maybe see next year," the Italian continued.

Marathe, who this week replaced Radrizzani as Leeds United chairman following the 49ers Enterprises takeover, agreed. "That would be ideal," he added.

CEO Kinnear then shares his take on the risk of keeping such a valuable asset in the squad.

"I think for me the challenge is financially, we can't really have £65million players on our books," he said. "There's too much risk in one player then. It's reckless if you lose him to injury."

Radrizzani then circled back to what Leeds would be able to do with the fee from a big-money sale.

"In my view, we need another striker. With my heart, I want to keep him, but the best thing is to sell. I see Kalvin as a captain for the next five years, but it's a very complicated decision."

Phillips would eventually depart in a deal initially worth £42million, with another £3million in future odd-ons, with another major exit soon following when Raphinha left for Barcelona two weeks later.

Leeds were unable to snag a big-money striker that summer, falling short in moves for Charles de Ketelaere and Cody Gakpo, but did bring in Wilfried Gnonto for a bargain £4million, before Georginio Rutter was signed in a club record transfer during the January window. The likes of Tyler Adams and Marc Roca were brought in to bolster central midfield following Phillips' exit.

Phillips would end the season with Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League winning medals, but early injury issues and the form of Rodri in the City midfield meant that he struggled for minutes under Pep Guardiola and will now look to kick on in his second season.