‘Exceptional’ Leeds target must push for Liverpool exit after Klopp decision

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Nat Phillips must now push to leave Liverpool over the summer transfer window after boss Jurgen Klopp left the Leeds United target out of the Reds’ pre-season tour side.

The Anfield natives announced a 27-man squad for their tour of Singapore on Thursday. But Klopp has opted to leave Phillips back on Merseyside as Liverpool take on Leicester City and Bayern Munich. He had already consistently overlooked the centre-half this summer, as well.

Phillips has not featured in a full session at the AXA Training Centre since Liverpool returned for pre-season. The Liverpool Echo does not suggest his absence from Klopp’s plans at their Kirkby base or also now in Singapore is down to an injury amid widespread transfer interest.

Leeds are interested in a transfer from Liverpool for Phillips

Reports by the Liverpool Echo earlier in July claimed that Phillips is a transfer target of Leeds and Feyenoord. But the 26-year-old could be left in limbo if Liverpool do not slash their price tag of £10m. Clubs have so far baulked at the Reds’ valuation of the out-of-favour defender.

Leeds are very keen on a transfer to Elland Road for Phillips in this summer window, though. The Yorkshire Evening Post also reported at the end of June that the Whites had already had meetings with the centre-half’s agent. Leeds spoke with his representatives over the phone.

Yet Phillips remains stuck in the wilderness back in Kirkby as Liverpool flew out to Singapore. Even though the Daily Mail reported during June that the Bolton-born enforcer was ready to quit the Reds. The lack of minutes Klopp afforded Phillips last term convinced him to leave.

Phillips must push to leave Anfield after Klopp’s latest snub

Phillips only featured five times for the Liverpool first-team and twice with the Reds’ Under-21s in 2022/23. His senior minutes further only totalled 232 having only started two games across all competitions. Klopp started Phillips in his only Premier League fixture last August.

It is clear that Klopp will not trust Phillips next season, either, after the Leeds transfer target failed to make Liverpool’s pre-season tour squad. So, the defender – who Scott Parker called ‘exceptional’ on loan with Bournemouth in 2022 – must now push to leave Anfield for good.