Leeds United are reportedly keen on a move for Liverpool defender Nat Phillips and we spoke to James Brooke, an Anfield expert and a writer for Liverpool site Rousing The Kop – to discuss a possible transfer for the centre-back.
Phillips, 26, is expected to be after a summer move away from Liverpool this season – having only managed five outings for the Reds last season. He is Jurgen Klopp’s fifth-choice centre-back, meaning his game time limited.
Phil Hay reported recently that Leeds are interested in Phillips, who is rated at a fee of around £10m. So, it would be an expensive transfer. But with Leeds losing Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and possibly Rasmus Kristensen – it’s key.
LeedsUnited.News sat down with RTK writer Brooke over the weekend to discuss a move for Phillips. He explains why Phillips is not playing, and that the time has come for the Bolton-born defender to leave Liverpool this summer.
“He’s done well whenever called upon and never let Liverpool down, but Van Dijk, Gomez, Matip and Konate are all a level above him,” Brooke said. Is it time to go? “Absolutely, yes. That isn’t because he doesn’t have anything to offer.
“It’s more that now 26, it’s time for him to kick on. He isn’t getting into the team and deserves the chance to show he’s good enough to play regularly elsewhere. A handful of games every season feels like a waste of his talents.”
Leeds keen on Nat Phillips: We speak to Liverpool expert James Brooke
Brooke also described what Leeds fans can expect from Phillips if The 49ers, Nick Hammond and Angus Kinnear can manage to convince Phillips to drop a division into the Championship – and help our push for an instant return.
“Your classic no-nonsense centre-half but with a little bit of a modern twist. He’s as committed as they come and will put his head on absolutely anything. But it would be wrong to categorise him as an old fashioned plodder.
“He can also play a bit. You just have to see his majestic Cruyff turn at San Siro in 2021/22 to know that. His ability to pass vertically through the pitch has often surprised. It’s clear he’s learnt from those he’s played with at Anfield.”
Leeds are renowned to want to bring in players that adhere to the family feel, passionate, committed fanbase that come to watch the club every week. Brooke feels Phillips is that, never complaining about game time at Liverpool.
“It says everything about his personality that he’s never once complained about his role at Liverpool. He was on the verge of leaving the club late in last summer’s transfer window, with a loan offer from Benfica on the table.
“But after Konate got injured, Klopp had to block the move. He never complained though. Off the pitch he seems quiet, unassuming, likes to stay out of the limelight. Whatever the complete opposite of flash is, that’s Nat Phillips.”
Finally, LeedsUnited.News asked Brooke if they felt he would be a good signing for Leeds and Daniel Farke – who is said to have tracked him from his time in Germany. Brooke discussed whether he is worth the touted £10m fee.
“This time last year, I’d have said Phillips is easily worth £10m. Still young, Premier League, Champions League and Championship experience. Even a bargain. But after barely playing, it now looks a little steep,” Brooke continued.
“I’d say Leeds are getting a good deal. A good move. As an honest, Northern lad, I see the fans identifying with him, even if his style may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Not a sexy signing, but every squad benefits with a Nat Phillips.”
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