Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips set for permanent West Brom move after undergoing medical | OneFootball

Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips is set to join West Bromwich Albion on a permanent deal after undergoing a medical (h/t The Athletic).

The 28-year-old will join the Baggies for an undisclosed fee, bringing his nine-year spell at Anfield to a close.

Phillips had just one year left on his contract with Liverpool. He was in demand this summer after a productive loan spell at Derby County.

The Englishman was a standout performer for Derby, helping them secure their place in the second tier by the skin of their teeth.

Phillips featured 32 times in the Championship, bagging a goal and three assists. He helped to keep five clean sheets and averaged 1.2 tackles, 2.6 ball recoveries and five clearances per match.

He also won 70 percent of his aerial battles but was far less daunting in 1v1 situations, although he did rack up a 56% success rate in ground duels.

The experienced defender is expected to join his new teammates for pre-season later this week.

Phillips joined Liverpool’s youth set-up from Bolton Wanderers’ academy in 2016. But he had to wait until January 2020 to make his senior debut under Jurgen Klopp.

Phillips made 29 appearances in a Liverpool shirt, but the fans will remember his outstanding performances at the heart of the defence during the 2020/21 season.

He endeared himself to Liverpool supporters with his performances alongside fellow rookie Rhys Williams as Klopp’s side salvaged Champions League qualification during a defensive injury crisis.

Phillips previously spent time on loan at VfB Stuttgart, Bournemouth, Celtic and Cardiff City before his most recent spell at Derby.

His final appearance for Liverpool came against Wolverhampton Wanderers in January 2023.