Nat Phillips is reportedly set to leave Liverpool this summer following a pair of underwhelming loan spells, including a short stint at Celtic that failed to take off.
The English centre-back joined the Hoops in the summer of 2023 on a six-month loan, but struggled to make an impact during his time in Glasgow.
Nat Phillips Celtic
22nd October 2023; Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Hearts versus Celtic; Nathaniel Phillips of Celtic
Despite expectations he might offer some defensive reinforcement amid Celtic’s early-season injury issues, Phillips featured just eight times in all competitions before returning to Anfield.
Initially viewed as a stopgap option, the 28-year-old’s limited game time and lack of rhythm meant he quickly fell down the pecking order.
Brendan Rodgers opted to rely more heavily on players like Liam Scales and Cameron Carter-Vickers when available, with Phillips often watching from the bench or omitted from the squad altogether.
After his return to Liverpool in January 2024, Phillips headed back out on loan—this time to Derby County in the English Championship.
While he saw more consistent minutes at Pride Park, it hasn’t been enough to convince the Anfield hierarchy to retain him heading into the 2025/26 campaign. The Athletic report that Phillips is expected to move on permanently this summer.
10th December 2023; Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Nathaniel Phillips of Celtic on the ball
With Celtic now boasting a deeper defence —featuring the likes of Maik Nawrocki, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Liam Scales, the need for someone like Phillips has long since passed.
Where he ends up next remains unclear, but it appears increasingly likely that his chapter at both Liverpool and Celtic has firmly closed.
Tees for Tims - Jota Celtic