Liverpool Defender Completes £3m Move to EFL Championship Club – Confirmed | OneFootball

Nat Phillips Leaves Liverpool for West Brom in £3m Deal

After nine years at Liverpool, Nat Phillips has completed a permanent move to West Bromwich Albion. The 28-year-old defender departs Anfield having played a significant, if often understated, role across multiple campaigns, culminating in a £3 million switch, inclusive of add-ons, to the Championship club.

Solid Contributor During Difficult Times

Phillips joined Liverpool’s Academy in 2016 following a trial period and made 29 senior appearances for the Reds. His senior debut came in January 2020 during an FA Cup win over Everton at Anfield, sandwiched between loan spells at VfB Stuttgart.

It was the 2020–21 season, however, where Phillips’ presence became indispensable. With Liverpool’s central defensive unit crippled by injuries, Phillips stepped into the breach. He made 20 appearances that campaign and helped secure a third-place Premier League finish, along with Champions League qualification. His committed displays earned him the club’s Standard Chartered Player of the Month award in March, and he scored his sole Liverpool goal against Burnley as the season drew to a close.

Loan Journeyman Before Permanent Exit

Despite those heroics, Phillips never fully established himself under Jürgen Klopp or, more recently, Arne Slot. With fierce competition for places, he spent much of the following seasons on loan. Stints at AFC Bournemouth, Celtic, Cardiff City and Derby County allowed him regular minutes, with his spell at Bournemouth particularly notable as he aided their promotion to the Premier League in 2021–22.

Now, Phillips has opted for stability and permanence. West Brom, who narrowly missed out on promotion last season, see Phillips as an experienced head to bolster their backline. Given his past record in the Championship, this looks a shrewd move for both player and club.

Photo: IMAGO

Parting Ways with Dignity

Liverpool acknowledged Phillips’ contribution upon confirming the deal. “As Nat now embarks on a new chapter in his career, everyone at LFC would like to thank him for his efforts and wish him the very best for the future.”

Phillips may not be remembered among the modern greats of Liverpool’s defensive line, but his resilience and professionalism never wavered. His performances during the injury-ravaged 2020–21 campaign were more than serviceable — they were essential. In a squad brimming with international stars, he stood out for sheer reliability.

As he joins West Brom in search of regular football and perhaps a final career flourish, Phillips takes with him not just experience but the quiet confidence of a man who helped Liverpool when it mattered most.