Liverpool will happily deal with Leeds United over a deal for Nat Phillips, but they will only green-light a permanent transfer.
According to a report by The Sun, Nat Phillips is the subject of interest from Leeds United. The Whites are keen on signing the 26-year-old Liverpool defender to boost their promotion hopes. But while the Reds are ready to deal with the Whites, they will only sanction a permanent transfer.
Nathaniel Phillips is a native of Bolton and spent most of his formative years with Bolton Wanderers, where his father is currently the Academy Manager. But the Englishman graduated from Liverpool’s fabled youth division. However, he had to bide his time before making his mark at Anfield.
The 26-year-old spent two short loan spells with VfB Stuttgart, where he rose in prominence. And 2021/22 was his breakthrough campaign, as he helped Liverpool wade through an injury crisis and seal a top-four finish. However, Phillips has seen his stature drop since then, with the first-choice defenders taking precedence over him.
2022/23 was a frustrating season for Phillips, as he barely featured for the Merseyside club. The English defender managed only 232 minutes of game time across five appearances for Liverpool. And the player will likely leave Liverpool in the summer transfer window to resurrect his stuttering career.
Recent reports have linked the 26-year-old with Dutch champions Feyenoord. Turkish clubs have also shown interest in the Liverpool defender. But Phillips’s next destination should be Leeds United. And the Whites are pushing hard to secure his services in the summer transfer window.
Robin Koch has already left Leeds United to join Eintracht Frankfurt. In addition, Diego Llorente faces an uncertain future at Elland Road, with AS Roma keen on signing him permanently. So Leeds can do with a new centre-back, with Phillips emerging as a viable target. But Liverpool will only deal with the Yorkshire club over a permanent transfer.
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The Reds do not want to loan Phillips out any longer. And selling the 26-year-old will also open up a spot in the Liverpool defence. And with the Merseyside club showing interest in several centre-backs, including Goncalo Inacio, vacating a berth is sensible. But it will be interesting to see if Leeds United will sign Phillips on a permanent deal.
It’s impossible to “permanently sell” anything, so I asume it’s the old split infinitive thing.