There are no doubt a few people connected with Liverpool upset over yesterday’s lack of activity on deadline day.
But if you’re seething over the Reds failure to add their squad yesterday, then just imagine how poor Nat Phillips feels.
The centre-back had been all set to leave Anfield after several near misses in recent years. But just as it always seems to do, fate got in the way.
With his bags presumably packed and wistful looks at Rhys Williams completed, Big Nat looked ready for departure. The Athletic reported Galatasaray as his most likely destination, with a £10m fee suggested. Happy days.
And then, the inevitable: Ibrahima Konate injured. Two to three weeks. Jurgen Klopp down to two fit senior centre-backs.
You can only imagine the disappointment as Phillips was told he’d be staying put for a little while longer. Of course, we’d all swap places with him in a heartbeat. But as his career drifts slowly away, the 25-year-old must be wondering where he goes from here.
Phillips carries on at Liverpool
It isn’t all bad for Nat. There is the chance that he’ll get some reasonable minutes in the games to come. Missing both Konate and Virgil van Dijk for a few weeks at least, there is an opportunity there for him.
Hopefully he can take that to put himself in the shop window for the summer. Phillips is unlikely to play much at all once both of Klopp’s first choice defenders return for the run-in.
Just how much the manager uses him between now and then will be a show of the level that Klopp thinks Phillips is at.
He has used his No.47 sparingly this season. Just five appearances in all competitions is a measly return for a player who is at an age where he should a starter.
If he can showcase his ability when called upon, there’s a good chance he’ll still be able to do that next season. It won’t be at Liverpool, mind you.
Fail to grasp the nettle though, and there’s a danger Phillips could be in the same position come September. He’ll turn twenty-six before his next opportunity to leave comes around. It doesn’t seem fair that he’s still scrapping around for minutes at Liverpool. Whatever the circumstances next summer, the Reds have to make sure he gets his move.
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