Nat Phillips Joins Celtic on Loan from Liverpool
Liverpool defender Nat Phillips has signed a four-month loan deal with Celtic, becoming the latest player to leave the Reds on a temporary basis. The move comes after Phillips played no part in any of Liverpool’s pre-season friendlies and was the subject of interest from a number of clubs this summer.
The loan will be re-assessed in January, suggesting he could be brought back to Liverpool if centre-back injuries persist. Former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers was appointed for a second spell as Celtic manager earlier this year and he has enlisted the help of his former club to bolster his defensive options in Glasgow.
Phillips’ debut could even come against Rangers on Sunday, though he has not long returned to training himself. A permanent move away from Anfield had been considered a possibility for Phillips this summer, with Leeds among the clubs said to have been interested in signing the centre-back. Another Championship side, Middlesborough, had also entered the frame as they explored the possibility of a loan deal.
Phillips has previously taken in loan spells with Stuttgart and Bournemouth since joining the Reds from Bolton’s youth ranks in 2016. This move could raise eyebrows among Liverpool supporters given the current shortage of defensive cover and the fact that the current centre-backs are no stranger to injuries.
Ibrahima Konate is currently sidelined while Virgil van Dijk has received a suspension following his red card against Newcastle. Jarell Quansah has emerged as a contender for senior minutes this season having impressed over the summer and making his first-team debut in the 2-1 away win at Newcastle. The likes of Fabio Carvalho, Sepp van den Berg, Calvin Ramsay and Rhys Williams are also spending the campaign out on loan.
Good luck, Nat!
Analysis: Nat Phillips’ Loan Move to Celtic
Liverpool defender Nat Phillips has signed a four-month loan deal with Celtic, becoming the latest player to leave the Reds on a temporary basis. The move comes after Phillips played no part in any of Liverpool’s pre-season friendlies and was the subject of interest from a number of clubs this summer.
The loan will be re-assessed in January, suggesting he could be brought back to Liverpool if centre-back injuries persist. Former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers was appointed for a second spell as Celtic manager earlier this year and he has enlisted the help of his former club to bolster his defensive options in Glasgow.
Phillips’ debut could even come against Rangers on Sunday, though he has not long returned to training himself. A permanent move away from Anfield had been considered a possibility for Phillips this summer, with Leeds among the clubs said to have been interested in signing the centre-back. Another Championship side, Middlesborough, had also entered the frame as they explored the possibility of a loan deal.
Phillips has previously taken in loan spells with Stuttgart and Bournemouth since joining the Reds from Bolton’s youth ranks in 2016. This move could raise eyebrows among Liverpool supporters given the current shortage of defensive cover and the fact that the current centre-backs are no stranger to injuries. Ibrahima Konate is currently sidelined while Virgil van Dijk has received a suspension following his red card against Newcastle. Jarell Quansah has emerged as a contender for senior minutes this season having impressed over the summer and making his first-team debut in the 2-1 away win at Newcastle. The likes of Fabio Carvalho, Sepp van den Berg, Calvin Ramsay and Rhys Williams are also spending the campaign out on loan.
Nat Phillips’ move to Celtic is an interesting one, as it suggests that Liverpool are confident that their current crop of defenders can cope with any potential injuries or suspensions that may arise during the season. It also suggests that they have faith in Phillips’ ability to make an impact at Celtic and that they are willing to give him an opportunity to prove himself at a higher level.
The loan move could be beneficial for both parties, as it gives Phillips an opportunity to gain more experience and develop his game while also providing Celtic with an experienced defender who can help them compete at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
It remains to be seen how successful Phillips’ loan move will be, but it is certainly an intriguing one that could have far-reaching implications for both Liverpool and Celtic. Good luck, Nat!