Jurgen Klopp has been giving his thoughts on Nat Phillips’ loan move from Liverpool to Bournemouth.
The 24-year-old centre-back left The Reds on transfer deadline day. He’ll join The Cherries’ promotion push from the Championship for the rest of the season.
Klopp was asked about Phillips as well as Neco Williams’ loan move to Fullham in his pre-match press conference per the Liverpool Echo ahead of the game against Cardiff on Sunday.
The manager says he would have “loved” to keep Phillips at Liverpool.
“We would have loved to have kept Nat. He deserved it so much,” said Klopp.
“Nat was incredible, reliable and a great figure at the training ground. I am really happy for both of them.”
Does Phillips have a future at Liverpool
It’s no secret that Liverpool were trying to get Phillips off the books this window. The Reds slapped a £15m price-tag on the defender. One which ultimately wasn’t met.
In theory a loan move leaves the door open for a potential return to the club. Klopp clearly loves the player, it isn’t the first time he’s spoken so highly of him. Should he catch his eye whilst away, it isn’t impossible that the manager would bring him back into the fold.
But at the same time, Phillips has become one of Liverpool’s most saleable assets. His rise to prominence was a major surprise last season and anything The Reds can get as a transfer fee will feel like a bonus.
They have already recouped £1.5m in loan fees from Bournemouth, and could stand to gain £250,000 more should the South-Coast club get promoted (The Athletic).
Liverpool also boast great depth at centre-back currently. If Phillips’ does earn himself a second chance, it would surely only be a result of Joe Gomez’s time at the club has coming to and end.
But with comments like this from Jurgen, you never know.
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