According to ESPN, Liverpool are now open to offers for Nat Phillips, despite his impressive efforts this season in Virgil van Dijk’s absence.
The report also states that Rhys Williams could leave Anfield on loan, after he too made his breakthrough this term.
ESPN claim that it is doubtful Phillips will want to be pushed down the pecking order once Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip return.
Jürgen Klopp’s side are also expected to seal the €41.5 million (£35.9 million) signing of Ibrahima Konaté from RB Leipzig once France’s U21 European Championships come to an end.
In that respect, Phillips could sadly find himself fifth choice at Anfield next season, despite his tremendous efforts.
How did Phillips get on this season?
The £64,615-a-week colossus started 15 Premier League games this season, and performed admirably to help the Reds secure a third place finish.
It was a real rags to riches story for the 24-year-old, whose future at Liverpool looked bleak while on loan at VfB Stuttgart last season.
Klopp even called Phillips ‘brilliant’ after he contributed a Man of the Match display against West Ham earlier this term, on what was his Premier League debut.
The BBC quote the German as saying: “He’s a brilliant guy, smart guy, intelligent, everything.
“He’s not easy on the eye, he’s not Messi but who cares? In the air, he’s a monster! He was incredible. For the first game, I think everyone can imagine how nervy that must be after a long wait.”
Thanks to his performances, Phillips holds the power here.
Klopp will surely let him stay as fifth choice if he decides that’s what he wants to do. After his heroics, nobody at Anfield is going to force him out.
On the contrary, many a side would presumably love to have Liverpool’s No.47 after watching him take to life in the Champions League and the upper echelons of the Premier League with ease.
Whatever happens, he’ll be fondly remembered by Liverpool fans for his contributions this season, amid what was an unprecedented injury crisis.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
