Liverpool have reconsidered the availability of Nat Phillips this summer and are now no longer so open to a permanent transfer.
That’s according to the Liverpool Echo, who claim that Phillips had been expected to depart this summer. However, Liverpool have now changed their stance.
There is seemingly still a chance that the 25-year-old could leave for a fee. But the suggestion here is that a loan move would be much more preferable to Liverpool.
It’s claimed that this is partly because The Reds consider Phillips as a potential successor to Joel Matip. Liverpool will reportedly make a decision one way or another ‘later this summer.’
Phillips still no clearer on future
You have to feel for Nat Phillips. The centre-back now seems to be stuck in a permanent cycle at Liverpool.
He’s too good to sit on the bench, or even out of the squad altogether, every week. But by the same token, he probably isn’t good enough to play regularly at the level Liverpool currently are.
Therein lies the problem for prospective buyers of Phillips. He’s proven himself to be well worth his reported £15m price-tag, but they know that he isn’t going to play at Liverpool.
His situation is akin to that of Neco Williams. A proven, competent Premier League player who simply wasn’t going to play at Liverpool.
In the end The Reds got an excellent fee for Williams, but it seemed to take a little while. It may be that any interested parties are waiting for later in the summer to see how things pan out for Phillips.
That doesn’t help the player though, who must feel in a bit of limbo in pre-season training for Liverpool.
Hopefully his future can be resolved soon in a way that suits all parties.
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