Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips is still expected to leave Anfield in the summer transfer window, according to The Athletic’s James Pearce.
The Lowdown: Phillips down the pecking order
Phillips did an admirable job at an extremely difficult time last season – Jamie Redknapp hailed him as ‘unbelievable’ following his performance against Burnley in May – filling in when the Reds were without the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip through long-term injuries.
They are all fit again, however, and Ibrahima Konate has joined from RB Leipzig, so the 24-year-old is now arguably fifth-choice centre-back at Anfield.
Phillips has been linked with a summer exit, with West Ham and Bayer Leverkusen reportedly among those keen on signing him.
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The Latest: Pearce tips defender to leave
Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic after Liverpool’s win at Norwich City on Saturday, Pearce gave his thoughts on Phillips’ Reds future.
He outlined: “Still no suitable offers on the table. I’m still expecting him to leave before the window shuts.”
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The Verdict: No Liverpool future
It is hard to see Phillips enjoying much playing time for Liverpool this season, unless another injury crisis occurs at the back.
While he did excellently in 2020/21, making 15 Premier League starts, he has his limitations and probably isn’t good enough to be a long-term squad player at Anfield. On the ball, he doesn’t have the quality and vision of Van Dijk, Gomez and Matip, and his lack of pace means that Liverpool can’t play with their usual high line.
Therefore, it would come as no surprise if the club accept an offer for him this month, particularly with Klopp’s centre-back options now nicely replenished.
In other news, Pearce has also provided an update on another aspect of Liverpool’s transfer business. Read more here.