Xherdan Shaqiri and Andy Robertson react as player leaves Liverpool on deadline day

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Nat Phillips’ has finally left Liverpool. The 24-year-old joined Bournemouth on loan yesterday (afcb.co.uk).

The Reds had been hoping for a more permanent solution for the towering defender. But with no one willing to meet Liverpool’s asking price of £15m, a loan deal will have to do for now.

It’s good news that Phillips will now get the game-time he deserves. He was immense for Liverpool last season, proving that he’s far too good to sit on the bench every week.

The centre-back was also clearly very popular with his teammates. That’s judging by the reactions to his post on Instagram.

Posing with the Bournemouth shirt, Phillips wrote “Delighted to have signed for Bournemouth for the remainder of the season!! Can’t wait to get started. Best of luck to Liverpool for the rest of the season.”

Teammates past and present weigh in

There were some notable names amongst the well-wishers.

Rhys Williams was imperious alongside Phillips last season as Liverpool secured Champions League football. The 20-year-old has recently returned from a loan spell himself. He simply wrote “smash it fella”.

Andy Robertson also wished his teammate the best of luck. “Good luck big guy,” wrote The Reds’ left-back coupled with two hands raised and a heart emoji.

Xherdan Shaqiri was a surprising face amongst the commenters. But he made sure to pass on his best to Phillips.

The Swiss left Liverpool for Lyon last summer. But the two played together last season and Phillips clearly made an impression on Shaqiri. “Good luck my brother,” he wrote.

Neco Williams, along with Phillips, was the other first team player to leave on loan yesterday. The Welshman joined Fulham for the rest of the season.

He was also keen to send his teammate off. “Love it Nat,” wrote Williams with a brick wall emoji to accompany.

Is it a good deal

According to The Athletic, Bournemouth will pay Liverpool a loan fee of £1.5m, plus another £250,000 should they achieve promotion.

This obviously isn’t anywhere close to the £15m they were hoping to get for the player.

But the hope is that Phillips will retain his value whilst excelling in the Championship. That will allow Liverpool to keep their asking price the same, whilst also banking a loan fee.