Benfica were very interested in signing Nat Phillips from Liverpool on transfer deadline day, but Jurgen Klopp blocked the move.
That’s according to The Athletic, who claim that the Portuguese side made a ‘financially attractive’ loan offer for Phillips.
However, Liverpool and Klopp decided that they needed Phillips to stay as cover. Following injuries to Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate, the 25-year-old was told he had to stay.
Phillips is said to have accepted the decision ‘professionally,’ despite the claim that he would ‘relish’ the opportunity. Southampton are claimed to have also made a late move for the centre-back. Just like Benfica, they were told Phillips wouldn’t be leaving.
Liverpool will reportedly ‘reassess’ the defender’s situation when the January market opens.
Phillips misses out on big opportunity in Portugal
It really is unfortunate for Phillips that those above him in the pecking order got injured this summer. Had it not been for issues surrounding Konate and Matip, he would certainly have been on his way.
According to The Athletic, in that scenario the most likely suitors would have been Bournemouth. But a late move to Benfica would have been a thrilling prospect for Nat.
The Portuguese giants are once again competing in the Champions League this season. The opportunity to play regularly for a club of that stature must have been an incredibly tempting one.
Unfortunately for Phillips though, Liverpool really do need him for the time being. The games are coming thick and fast now, and with Konate still a month or so from returning, Klopp can’t take any chances.
Still, it seems unlikely that he’ll see much game-time between now and January. Konate’s return will make a starting spot virtually impossible, even as the Carabao Cup get under-way.
After failing to secure a move last summer, Phillips only played twice for Liverpool in the first-half of last season. You’d have to think he may have to brace himself for a similar scenario this season, too.
Having said that, Klopp really does rate the former Bolton man. He previously called Phillips ‘incredible’ via Sky Sports and has already given him a league start this season.
That might be as good as it gets for Nat, though. It’s a little bit of a shame that Liverpool couldn’t further their bonds with Benfica by loaning them the player they wanted. Phillips would have got brilliant experience too. Oh well, there’s always January.
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