Liverpool star Nat Phillips drops summer exit hint after breakthrough season

Speaking to the Echo (h/t Daily Star), Liverpool defender Nat Phillips has dropped a hint that he could be on his way out of the club this summer despite enjoying a breakthrough season in 2020/21.

Phillips has been with Liverpool since 2016 when he signed from boyhood club Bolton Wanderers. Having progressed through the ranks at the club, the centre-back headed out on loan to VfB Stuttgart in the summer of 2019.

Phillips was recalled midway through his season-long loan spell in Germany, following which he made his first-team debut for Liverpool in a cup tie, only for him to be loaned back to Stuttgart again for the second half of the 2019/20 term.

Nat Phillips missed the game against Leeds United due to a hamstring injury. — Nat Phillips was in fine form towards the end of the season (imago Images)

Back at Anfield after enjoying a fairly impressive stint in Germany, the 24-year-old got his opportunity in Jurgen Klopp’s side as three frontline defenders in Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all succumbed to injuries.

Having had to wait for his chance, Phillips made the most of it when it came his way, playing an integral role in the club’s late push for the top-four finish. In fact, the 24-year-old was, without a doubt, one of Liverpool’s best players in the business end of the season.

What next for Phillips?

Phillips ended the 2020/21 term with a total of 20 appearances across all competitions, scoring and assisting one goal apiece. However, heading into the 2021/22 season, the defender’s situation remains uncertain, as the likes of van Dijk, Gomez and Matip will all be back to full fitness.

Liverpool have reportedly completed the signing of Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig after triggering his release clause. — Liverpool have completed the signing of Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig. (GETTY Images)

In addition, Liverpool have also signed Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig. And the 24-year-old is aware of the circumstances, due to which he has left the door open for a potential exit this summer.

“I have loved every minute of it and would love to carry on playing for the club. But I’ve also got to take into consideration what is best for my career, and that will depend on what role Liverpool see they do or don’t have for me and I’ll have to go from there.”

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Phillips’ breakthrough was a pleasing sight for Liverpool fans. However, it is only natural for the defender to consider a potential exit, given as he will have to battle as many as four senior defenders for a starting berth next season, meaning game-time will not be forthcoming that regularly.

It will be interesting to see whether the 24-year-old decides to stay put at Anfield and fight for a spot or calls it time and moves on.