Report: Liverpool willing to let defensive hero leave this summer

Transfer News: Liverpool are ready to sell Nathaniel Phillips this summer

Liverpool are bracing themselves for offers as Nathaniel Phillips returns to the club after his short loan at Bournemouth.

The Reds are willing to let the defender go out on loan once again, although a permanent move is not ruled out if the Anfield club receives a bid of around £12 million, according to Goal (h/t Express)

The 25-year-old Englishman is set to return for pre-season but the defender is said to have many admirers as Jurgen Klopp and the Merseyside club prepare themselves for bids. Given his reputation soaring the last couple of seasons, it is hardly a surprise.

An imminent exit?

Phillips is considered somewhat a cult hero at Anfield. The Englishman, alongside fellow teammate Rhys Williams were pivotal in the 2020/21 season as Liverpool clinched a Champions League spot.

With injuries to key defenders, the 25-year-old stepped up and held his own to help the Anfield club achieve their Champions League qualifying goal. He made 20 appearances for the Reds in that season, 17 of them coming in the league.

In the 2021/22 season, however, he didn’t make a single appearance in the league. With the addition of Ibrahima Konate and the return of Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez, the player struggled for game time.

The defender was subsequently loaned out to Championship side Bournemouth. With the Cherries, Phillips made a place for himself in the team and helped the south-coast club secure promotion to the Premier League.

Now, he is set to return for pre-season but the 25-year-old’s performances have put other clubs in England and Germany on alert. With minutes on the pitch at Anfield looking uncertain, the defender may as well decide to leave.

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Phillips will always remain in the hearts of Liverpool supporters for his exploits in the 2020/21 season. He and Rhys have a special place in every fan’s heart given. If he does decide to leave the club, we have enough options in the backline to not worry about it.