Celtic have confirmed the signing of Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips on loan until January 2024.
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Celtic Sign Liverpool Defender Nathaniel Phillips
Phillips Speaks on His Loan Move to Celtic
Phillips will arrive at Celtic to provide cover for injured trio Cameron Carter-Vickers, Maik Nawrocki and Stephen Welsh.
When speaking on his loan move to Parkhead, Phillips said to Celtic TV: “Robbo (Andy Robertson) is probably just as excited as I am and I think, potentially, a little bit jealous because he loves it here.
“And the same with Virgil. He had a great time here, so I’ve heard nothing but good things.
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“There were a few other options that didn’t quite make me feel the same as this one did, so I was really keen to get it over the line and I’m delighted to be here now.
“We’ve had a few conversations (with Brendan Rodgers) since I’ve been here and they’ve gone really well. They’ve just reassured the decision around this whole thing, and I’m really excited to get working with him.”
What Can Phillips Bring to Celtic?
By signing Phillips, the Bhoys are receiving an experienced defender who has been able to play at the top level for Liverpool and has proven to be a useful squad player for Jurgen Klopp. He has also had loan spells at Bundesliga side Stuttgart and AFC Bournemouth and made 17 appearances in the Premier League for the Reds in the 2020/21 season.
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The 26-year-old is a solid centre-back – blessed with decent pace and the ability to impose his physicality on opposition forwards. A natural centre-back, he can also slot in as a right-back if necessary and has made five appearances in the Champions League. Klopp hailed him as an “Aerial Monster” a few years ago, and Phillips has the ability to be a solid fit under Rodgers at Celtic.
Main Photo Credit: Iain Mullen on Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
