With the January transfer window over halfway finished, teams need to start scrambling to make the final adjustments to their squads ahead of the season’s final run-in. Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips has become something of a hot commodity, with PSV Eindhoven now joining a host of Premier League clubs in the race for his signature.
Nat Phillips a Wanted Man
PSV Eindhoven Join Race for Nat Phillips
According to Football Insider, Dutch giants PSV have entered the race for Phillips. Despite signing him to a new contract at the start of the season, the Reds are unlikely to prevent the 24-year-old from departing if the right offer arrives.
Newcastle United, West Ham United, and Watford have all registered interest in the Bolton youth product. The latter had a £7 million bid rejected recently, with the Merseyside club seeking £12 million for his signature. If a permanent departure cannot be reached, they will be content with loaning him out for the rest of the campaign.
Career Crossroads
Even though a future at Liverpool as a consistent starter is unlikely, the Englishman certainly has what it takes to be a starter in top European leagues. He made 20 appearances for the Reds last season due to injuries within Klopp’s squad, demonstrating his reliability and aerial prowess. His 17 matches in the Bundesliga 2 the year prior put him on the path for such top-flight success.
With the summer arrival of Ibrahima Konate, as well as staying behind Virgil Van Dijk, Joel Matip, and Joe Gomez on the depth chart, Phillips would only see considerable minutes if injury problems riddled Anfield once more. He is yet to find the pitch in the Premier League this season.
Phillips has the required ability to start for a top side, albeit maybe not Liverpool. He will not force a move away from Anfield, but if the right offer comes in, the centre-back will not hesitate to accept the inevitable next step in his career, whether it be on loan or a permanent transfer. PSV Eindhoven need a centre-back, and a move to the Dutch table-toppers would be eye-watering.
If any of the Premier League clubs mentioned cough up the necessary £12 million, he will be able to stay in England and further prove his worth in the best domestic league in the world. He knows a move is what is best, and thus when a good offer comes, Phillips will move on from Liverpool after his stay in Merseyside for 2.5 years.
Main Photo
