Report: £4million Liverpool Defender Set to Join EFL Championship Side | OneFootball

Liverpool Defender Nat Phillips Attracting Championship Suitors as Exit Looms

Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips is once again at the centre of summer transfer speculation, with The Athletic reporting that the Reds are fielding “strong interest” in the 28-year-old from Championship clubs. Chief among the interested parties is West Bromwich Albion, with Derby County also making their intentions clear to retain the defender after his successful loan stint.

Despite some reports mistakenly suggesting Phillips would be a free agent on July 1, his contract actually runs until 2026. However, with no place in Arne Slot’s Premier League-winning plans, Liverpool appear ready to sanction a permanent departure.

Phillips’ stock remains high in the second tier following an impressive season at Pride Park. Derby boss John Eustace summed up the club’s stance simply: “We’d like to keep him for sure.”

West Brom and Derby Lead Transfer Chase

West Brom’s interest is particularly significant. The Midlands club finished ninth last season and have turned to Ryan Mason in a bid to lead a renewed push for promotion. With Semi Ajayi released and defensive reinforcement a priority, Phillips has emerged as a prime candidate.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s stance on a transfer fee could prove pivotal. Last summer, they rejected a £4 million bid from Trabzonspor, reportedly holding out for a figure closer to £8 million. Whether they remain as firm this time around could determine whether Derby, West Brom or any other suitor can complete a deal.

Long-Term Questions Over Contract Strategy

Phillips’ current contract was awarded after his pivotal role in Liverpool’s injury-ravaged 2020-21 season. With all senior centre-backs out, he and Rhys Williams helped the Reds secure Champions League qualification, a feat many thought impossible at the time.

However, both defenders were given long-term deals that now appear overly optimistic in hindsight. As The Athletic observed, “the decision to hand the pair new deals… has been criticised as overly loyal.”

Loan spells at Bournemouth, Celtic, Cardiff and Derby have brought in modest fees for Liverpool — including £1.75 million from Bournemouth alone — and helped offset wages. But the reality is Phillips has remained a peripheral figure.

Opportunity for Stability and Regular Football

Now 28, Phillips is at a stage in his career where regular football and stability outweigh the prestige of a Premier League contract. He has never agitated for a move, yet the club’s strategy has kept him in limbo far too long. A permanent move this summer would serve all parties best.

While Liverpool prepare to wave goodbye to seven academy players in June, they are also expected to listen to offers for other fringe talents including Calvin Ramsay, Owen Beck and Kaide Gordon.

After years of short-term solutions, Phillips deserves clarity over his future — and clubs like West Brom and Derby are offering him exactly that.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a fan’s perspective, there’s admiration and sympathy in equal measure for Nat Phillips. He’s never been the most glamorous name on the team sheet, but his performance during the 2020-21 crisis remains etched in Liverpool folklore. That season, alongside Rhys Williams, he epitomised heart and commitment. “Against the odds” doesn’t even come close.

The frustration lies in how he’s been handled since. Loan after loan, each productive in its own right, yet never leading to a real breakthrough or permanent exit. It’s felt like career purgatory. At 28, he deserves better.

Financially, Liverpool have eked out value through loan fees and wage coverage. But there’s a bigger conversation to be had about how fringe players are managed. Holding out for £8 million last summer may have been too rigid, and could well have deterred suitors.

Under Arne Slot’s modern, progressive system, there’s simply no room for Phillips. His aerial strength and old-school defending have value in the Championship, and both West Brom and Derby would be lucky to have him.

The time has come for the club to do right by a loyal servant. Let him go, price reasonably, and wish him well. He’s earned it.