Cardiff City could find their Nat Phillips replacement at Huddersfield Town: View | OneFootball

The Polish defender was a colossus for the Terriers despite their Championship relegation

Nat Phillips proved to be a revelation in the heart of the Cardiff City defence last season, after the centre back made the loan move to Wales from Liverpool in January.

The former Bournemouth loanee spent the first half of the 2023-24 season with Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, but failed to make an impact during his time in Glasgow, before he was relocated to the Bluebirds.

With 18 appearances under his belt, the 27-year-old immediately instated himself as first-choice in Erol Bulut’s plans in the Welsh capital, before returning to his parent club ahead of the summer.

With City now contemplating where to go next in terms of defensive options, one player recently relegated from the division could be a shrew acquisition this summer, and help Bulut’s side at both ends of the pitch.

Cardiff City could poach Michal Helik following Huddersfield Town’s Championship relegation

Although there wasn’t much to cheer about from a Huddersfield Town perspective last season, the performances of Michal Helik offered a glimmer of hope throughout a miserable campaign.

The big Pole seemed to be on a one-man mussing to rescue the Terriers from the drop at times, with his heroics at the back matched by his ability to attack set-pieces in the opposite penalty area.

The 28-year-old was top scorer for the Yorkshire side with nine goals over the course of the season, as he profited from the regular pinpoint deliveries of Sorba Thomas from dead ball situations.

The towering defender also provided plenty of cover in his day job at the other end of the pitch, with his 228 tackles the second-most of any player in the second tier in the last 12 months, while he also ranks within the top ten for interceptions (75) and aerial duels won (160).

Bulut is a manager that thrives off of his defensive unit being no-nonsense and hard to break down, and a player of Helik’s ability would slot perfectly into the Bluebirds’ backline for the season ahead.

Looking at his performances in the previous campaign, the Pole is obviously a step above the third tier, and if he has history of fleeing a sinking ship, having done similar when leaving Barnsley for Town back in 2022.

While his defensive attributes speak for themselves, City fans would relish the Pole joining this summer, with their prowess from set-pieces clear for all to see in the previous campaign, as they topped the charts for goals scored from such scenarios.

Nobody scored more than City’s 21 from corners and free-kicks during 23/24, with promoted side Ipswich Town the next best with 19, while Norwich City managed 18, which emphasises how effective Helik could be in the Bluebirds side if he were to move to South Wales this summer.

Nat Phillips open to Cardiff City return but he could move elsewhere

Having said that, Phillips hasn’t completely shut the door on a return to the Cardiff City Stadium this summer, with the Liverpool man opening up after a stellar showing last season.

The centre-back told Wales Online: “There's a lot of change going on at Liverpool so there's a lot up in the air there. They've got a lot to sort out themselves.

"I'd certainly consider [a return to Cardiff]. I've enjoyed my time here, I've enjoyed playing regularly. I want to continue playing regular football and enjoying my football.

"I've played regularly so that's played in my favour. Any time a player is moving they want to know who the coach is going to be and whether or not you're going to be a player for them."

But with the arrival of Arne Slot as Reds boss this summer, Phillips’ future is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon, so a move for Helik could help to bolster the squad ahead of the next campaign, with defensive options desperately needed.