Liverpool defender Nat Phillips is reportedly closing in on a move to West Bromwich Albion, ending his nearly decade-long association with the Reds.
Phillips, who came to prominence during the injury ravaged 2020/21 campaign, joined Liverpool from Bolton Wanderers in 2016 and went on to play 29 senior games for the club. Twenty of those appearances came in ‘20/21 when Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip suffered from long-term injuries.
But his last appearance for Liverpool came in January 2023 and he has spent the last few years on loan.
Now a permanent exit seems imminent. Journalist John Percy wrote on X that West Brom is “close to signing” the 28-year-old on a permanent deal, with new coach Ryan Mason keen to bring in additions ahead of the return to pre-season next week.
Meanwhile, The Athletic states Phillips is undergoing a medical at the Midlands side on Monday and has “attracted interest from several Championship clubs”.
Phillips has enjoyed five loans over recent years, with the center-back netting a decisive goal for Derby County against Hull City in the latter stages of this season, which all but kept the Rams in the division.
He has also spent time at Stuttgart, Bournemouth, Celtic and Cardiff City in the past.
Phillips, who has a year remaining on his contract, will no doubt be remembered fondly by Liverpool fans, with the academy graduate featuring in several high-profile games.
Nat Phillips
Phillips spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Derby.
He played in every minute of Liverpool’s Champions League quarter-final encounter against Real Madrid during the ‘20/21 season.
He also featured in away wins at Arsenal, Manchester United and AC Milan, while his debut came in a 1-0 victory over Everton in 2020.
As for his new club, West Brom finished ninth this season, missing out on the playoffs by just four points.
He will play under the youngest manager in the Championship, following the club’s decision to appoint 33-year-old Mason.
The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is the third West Brom manager this calendar year, following Carlos Corberan and Tony Mowbray. The latter was sacked in April.
West Brom faces Blackpool, Lincoln City and Rayo Vallecano in summer friendlies, with the new Championship season to commence on the weekend of 8 August.