Another Liverpool player appears set to depart the club as the squad overhaul continues under new manager Arne Slot during this summer’s transfer window.
Liverpool is currently undergoing a significant transitional phase with major changes in coaching staff and the squad. After nearly nine successful years, manager Jurgen Klopp resigned at the end of the 2023/2024 season, citing a need for rest and to avoid exhaustion after a long period of intense work.
To prepare for a new era, Liverpool’s leadership appointed Arne Slot, a Dutch coach, as Klopp’s successor. Slot is expected to bring fresh ideas and help Liverpool regain its competitive edge in the Premier League following their previous season’s decline.
One of Slot’s initial tasks is restructuring the squad, starting with offloading players who no longer fit the team’s plans. Several players, including goalkeeper Adrian, defender Joel Matip, and midfielder Thiago Alcantara, have left Anfield after their contracts expired. Unfortunately, Thiago Alcantara retired after a season plagued by serious injury.
Recently, according to The Athletic, another player likely to leave Liverpool this summer transfer window is 27-year-old defender Nat Phillips. Phillips has been with Liverpool for 8 years but has never secured a regular place in the starting lineup. Last season, he was loaned out to Celtic and Cardiff City to seek more playing opportunities.
Currently in the final year of his contract with Liverpool and at a mature stage in his career, Phillips is eager for regular first-team action. This seems unlikely at Liverpool, given the presence of several other quality center-backs. Therefore, a departure could be the best option for both Phillips and the club.
Several clubs have shown interest in Phillips. Turkish club Trabzonspor has made a £4 million offer, but Liverpool reportedly seeks between £8 to £10 million for the player. Additionally, Premier League clubs, including Burnley under Scott Parker’s management, are monitoring Phillips’s situation.
There are signs pointing towards Phillips leaving Liverpool this summer. In May, he posted on Instagram thanking coach Klopp for his support throughout his career. Notably, Liverpool’s departing goalkeeper coach John Achterberg commented, “You are a great defender Nat! Good luck in your next step,” hinting clearly at Phillips’s future.
Trimming the squad and seeking new additions are crucial for Liverpool if they aim to compete with strong teams like Manchester City and Arsenal in the upcoming season. New manager Arne Slot will need time to build a squad that aligns with his philosophy and restores Liverpool to its position as one of England’s top clubs.
For Nat Phillips, leaving Liverpool could mark a significant turning point in his career. He has demonstrated his abilities whenever given the chance and could potentially thrive with regular playing time at another club. However, the final decision will depend on negotiations between Liverpool and interested clubs, as well as Phillips’s own preferences.
