In a recent report, The Sun mentioned that Liverpool are planning to sell Nathaniel Phillips for £10m. It is believed that the Reds are looking for a new buyer for the English defender with West Ham United showing interest in recruiting him during the January transfer window.
Phillips’ Recent Rise At Merseyside
Phillips is currently sidelined due to a cheekbone fracture. He has featured in just three senior matches for Liverpool so far this season but has often found himself behind Virgil Van Dijk, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate in Jurgen Klopp’s pecking order.
The 24-year-old had a major breakout year at Anfield in the previous campaign when he made 20 appearances for the Reds, scoring one goal and providing one assist for them across all fronts. Phillips caught the eye by averaging 1.3 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 4.8 clearances per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He was even excellent when distributing possession from the back, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 84.2% in the English top-flight (stats via whoscored).
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Liverpool Hoping To Sell Phillips For £10m: Good Move For Everyone Involved?
Standing at 1.90m, Phillips is a towering presence on the defensive end of the field and can often outmuscle the opposition centre-backs in the air to win his fair share of aerial duels. The English defensive ace was a rock at the back for Liverpool whenever he has been called up to feature for the first-team last season. He has got good defensive awareness that helps him make some solid interceptions and clear the danger inside his half.
However, at the moment, Phillips is not getting regular playing opportunities at Merseyside. Thus, it makes sense for the player to seal a move to another club in search of regular first-team chances in the coming seasons.
West Ham could be an ideal home for Phillips as he will have a good shot at becoming a regular feature at the London Stadium if David Moyes is willing to meet the Reds‘ £10m price tag for the talented centre-back. All in all, Phillips’ departure from Anfield will be a good move for everyone involved.
