“I would be worried" - Concern raised as Leeds United eye Liverpool transfer agreement | OneFootball

'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Nat Phillips has emerged as a potential transfer target for Leeds United this summer.

According to the print edition of the Sunday Mirror, the Whites are eyeing a move for the centre-back, regardless of what division they compete in next year.

Phillips is currently on loan at Cardiff City, having signed for the Bluebirds during the January transfer window.

The defender previously spent time on loan at Celtic, where his performances underwhelmed, which led to his switch to the Championship.

The 27-year-old has featured 17 times in the second division for Erol Bulut’s side this season (all stats from Fbref).

Nat Phillips wouldn’t fit at Leeds United

FLW’s Leeds fan pundit Kris Smith has raised concerns over the links to the Liverpool defender.

While he would welcome someone with the aerial presence of Phillips, he believes the player’s ability on the ball could be a major obstacle to him working out at Elland Road.

“Nat Phillips has kind of found his feet at Cardiff in 2024, joining them on loan after really struggling at Celtic,” Smith told Football League World.

“I think that just about sums up the standard that he’s at right now.

“I don’t really see how he’s a good fit for Leeds, or a team that is pushing for top two in the Championship — if we don’t go up for next season, obviously.

“We’re a ball-dominant side, where centre-backs have been really vital for how we progress the ball.

“Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Pascal Struijk have been key to that, but with Phillips, he looks more like a basic defender, someone who’s relying on defending his box.

“He’s been more than good enough at doing that, obviously, but I would be worried if we went from Rodon on loan, who has been quality in a lot of areas, especially with how calm he is on the ball, to Phillips, who looks a bit more traditional, a lot more clunky on the ball.

“Having said that, on a more positive note, it would be really nice to have someone who is just a beast in the air because we’ve looked so frail defensively in the air and, from an attacking sense as well, it would be good to have someone to get on the end of crosses we keep getting into the box.”

Leeds United's promotion battle

Leeds are competing for promotion to the Premier League this year, which will play a role in determining their summer business.

The Yorkshire outfit are currently second in the Championship table, but will need a favour from elsewhere in order to stay ahead of Ipswich Town.

The Tractor Boys have a game in hand, so can earn four points from their final two games to clinch second place in the standings.

Leeds face Southampton on 4 May, where they will need all three points to ensure their best chance of securing a top two finish.

Phillips could be a secondary choice for Leeds

The permanent signing of Rodon should be Leeds’ priority this summer, as he has been a fantastic addition to the side.

Phillips’ contract with Liverpool runs until next year, so the Reds will want to cash in on the defender while they have the chance.

Leeds should really only be entering the market for him at a reasonable price, as Smith raises excellent reasons to doubt whether he’d be a good fit to come in as a starter.

However, he could prove a solid back-up option for Farke’s side, as he has excellent experience and his alternative attributes could come in handy in specific game states, or against certain opposition.