Interest in Liverpool defender Nat Phillips has been confirmed this summer, with the player expressing his openness to a move. Phillips, who has two years left on his contract at Anfield, is unlikely to find a breakthrough at the club and is therefore seeking an exit. Liverpool is reportedly seeking a fee of around £8 million for the center-back.
Several clubs have shown interest in signing Phillips, including newly promoted Premier League side Ipswich and Bundesliga outfit Mainz. However, it is Cardiff, where Phillips spent the second half of last season on loan, who have already expressed their interest in the 27-year-old.
Cardiff manager Erol Bulut, who recently signed a new two-year contract with the club, has stated that he would like to see Phillips stay if he remains in charge next season. Bulut praised Phillips’ performance during his loan spell, describing him as one of the leaders in defense. Phillips himself has expressed his willingness to consider a return to Cardiff, stating that he has enjoyed his time there and wants to continue playing regular football.
While sources within Cardiff have not ruled out another move for Phillips, the club may face obstacles in securing his services permanently. Liverpool’s asking price of £8 million is reportedly a roadblock for Cardiff, as the club has not spent more than £5.5 million on a player since 2019. Despite dropping down to the Championship in 2019, Cardiff has only spent a reported total of £21.8 million on players over the past five years.
Overall, Phillips’ future remains uncertain, with several clubs showing interest but Liverpool’s asking price potentially being a stumbling block for Cardiff. It will be interesting to see how this situation unfolds and whether Phillips will secure a permanent move away from Anfield.