Jose Enrique believes that the time is right for Liverpool pair Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams to leave the club.
Phillips is linked with a transfer away from Liverpool after helping Bourmeouth to Premier League promotion during a half-season loan last term.
Alongside Williams, the Reds centre-back pairing helped Jurgen Klopp’s side qualify for the Champions League during the 2020-21 campaign following an unrelenting injury crisis of defensive options, with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all missing most of the season.
Klopp labelled the duo ‘absolutely insane’ [official website] for their performance in a victory over Manchester United a little over a year ago but, fast forward to now, the German manager has precious little use for either.
And although Enrique is grateful for the duo’s contribution during the 2020-21 season, the former Liverpool left-back has said that it’s time to go.
He said on Twitter: “So grateful to these two players because when we needed them the most, they were there and thanks to them we played the Champions League last season. But obviously I think it’s time for both of them to move on but a very big thank you to these two. 100 percent.”
Last month, 25-year-old Phillips heavily hinted that his future lay away from Anfield by admitting that he was desperate for regular football, something he’ll never get at Liverpool [The Echo].
And with Williams struggling on loan at Swansea in the Championship last season, it also seems unlikely that the Kirkby academy prospect – still only 21 – is anywhere near ready enough to challenge the likes of Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate next term or beyond.
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