Four Premier League clubs in the race for Liverpool’s breakout starlet

Transfer News: Burnley and Brighton keen on Liverpool defender Nat Phillips

As per a report by Goal (h/t Liverpool Echo), Burnley and Brighton & Hove Albion are two clubs interested in a transfer move for Liverpool defender Nat Phillips, who is open to a move away from the club.

The 24-year-old rose to prominence in the second half of last season as Liverpool face a defensive injury crisis. With stalwarts like Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip injured, Phillips stepped up to the late.

The former Bolton Wanderers man played 17 Premier League games in a heroic effort to save Liverpool’s season. Phillips, alongside Rhys Williams, guided the Reds to a top-4 finish in a thrilling end to the season.

But his emergence will now get a reality check as Liverpool’s injured defenders come back to the team. It looks improbable that he would remain a starter with van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Matip all fit.

Phillips to move away from Anfield?

And that is perhaps the reason behind his links away from Anfield. The report mentions that apart from Brighton and Burnley, Newcastle United and Southampton have also made enquiries.

There is no doubt that he would get more game time at any one of those aforementioned clubs. It comes as a bonus that all of them also play their football in the Premier League.

But is it a wise move by Liverpool to let him go? It seems so. It is unlikely that a similar injury crisis as last season would repeat itself but even if it does, Liverpool have added Ibrahima Konate to their squad.

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As for Phillips, this would be a good move for his career development. It is great to see him make the most of his opportunity and if he leaves, he would have nothing but support from Liverpool fans.