Report: Liverpool believe Nat Phillips could replace Joel Matip long-term

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Liverpool might not commit to Nat Phillips leaving the club and he could have an Anfield future, according to reports.

This comes from the Liverpool Echo. They claim that Liverpool aren’t quite committed to selling Nat Phillips just yet.

There had been talk that the Reds would move the player on for around £15m. It comes after a successful half-season with Bournemouth that saw the Cherries earn a promotion back to the Premier League.

Naturally, that brings interest in Phillips and Liverpool could fairly easily cash in. But that might be hasty, apparently. Instead, the club sees a potential future at Anfield.

That future would be as the long-term Joel Matip replacement. The centre-back turns 31 in August and his long-term injury record suggests he might not be at the top level for many more years. Instead of investing in a new player, Liverpool believe Phillips might be the ideal player to take over.

The real question, then, is whether Phillips would want that. It would mean a few more years of an uncertain future as he waits to see when Matip steps down. He’d also need to hope that Liverpool stick with their plan and opt against signing anyone.

Liverpool see Nat Phillips future

We’re not 100% sure that Phillips would go for this. He’s now 25 and could really use regular first-team football. At the very least, a defined future would be something he’s never really had.

But then again, how many players get a shot at playing for Liverpool? Phillips had a short spell in the team because of serious injuries elsewhere and did very well. Now the club might be ready to give him a secure, long-term spell.

He’d just need to wait for it, with little guarantee that the Reds don’t spot a better player becoming available. Phillips will have a lot to think about, then, if this truly is Liverpool’s plan.