Nat Phillips Expected to Leave Liverpool in Coming Weeks After “Several” Enquiries
Liverpool defender Nat Phillips has been absent from the club’s pre-season friendlies and is expected to leave the club in the coming weeks after “several” enquiries. Phillips was pictured at the AXA Training Centre as Liverpool kicked off pre-season a month ago, before then travelling to Germany with the squad. However, he has not featured in any of the club’s friendlies and is now expected to leave the club before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Phillips’ Injury
Phillips has been dealing with an ongoing injury, having not been a regular in training towards the end of last season either. It is unclear how long he has been dealing with the injury, but it is likely that it has been a factor in his absence from the pre-season friendlies.
Enquiries for Phillips
Journalist Neil Jones reports for Empire of the Kop that Liverpool have received “several” enquiries over a deal for Phillips. Those will include both Leeds and Feyenoord, who are credibly touted with an interest, but also other clubs in the Championship as well as Germany and the Netherlands. In previous reports on Leeds‘ interest in Phillips via The Athletic’s Phil Hay, it was explained that Liverpool would seek a fee of around £10 million.
Leeds Trimming Squad
That may be why a transfer has not developed as of yet, particularly as Leeds are trimming their squad following their relegation to the Championship. Robin Koch and Max Wober are among those to have left on loan, leaving Pascal Struijk and Liam Cooper as starters for the 2-2 draw with Cardiff at the weekend. Leeds have already sanctioned the signings of Ethan Ampadu, Karl Darlow and Sam Byram, but according to Hay, there has been no progress yet with Phillips.
Phillips’ Decision
Phillips may be left with his pick of several clubs, both in England and abroad, which certainly makes his decision tougher. Speaking to Empire of the Kop, Jones added: “A matter of time, I’d say, and a case of the player picking the right option for himself.” It remains to be seen which club Phillips will choose, but it is clear that he will be leaving Liverpool in the coming weeks.