Another Liverpool player looks set to leave the club, as new manager Arne Slot’s summer squad overhaul continues.
Liverpool are going through a major transition period with major changes in the coaching staff and squad. After nearly 9 years of being with the team and leading the team to many successes, coach Jurgen Klopp has decided to step down at the end of the 2023/2024 season. The reason given is that he wants to have time to rest and avoid burnout after a long period of stressful work.
In preparation for a new era, Liverpool’s board of directors appointed Arne Slot – a Dutch coach, as Klopp’s successor. Slot is expected to bring a breath of fresh air to the team and help Liverpool regain a competitive position in the Premier League, after they fell behind in the championship race last season.
Arne Slot is expected to be the perfect successor to Jurgen Klopp. Photo: The Sun.
One of Slot’s first tasks will be to restructure the squad. This will start with offloading players who no longer fit the team’s plans. Several players have left Anfield after their contracts expired, including goalkeeper Adrian, centre-back Joel Matip and midfielder Thiago Alcantara.
Among these, the case of Thiago Alcantara is quite unfortunate when he decided to retire after a season seriously affected by injuries.
Another player who could leave Liverpool this summer is centre-back Nat Phillips, according to The Athletic. The 27-year-old has been with Liverpool for eight years but has never been a regular in the first team. Last season, Phillips was loaned out to both Celtic and Cardiff City in search of more playing time.
Phillips is now entering the final year of his Liverpool contract. At the peak of his career, he is desperate for regular first-team football. This seems unlikely at Liverpool, where there are plenty of other quality centre-backs, so a move away could be the best option for both Phillips and the club.
The 27-year-old centre-back is being eyed by many teams. Photo: Getty.
There have been a number of clubs interested in Phillips. Turkish club Trabzonspor have made a £4m bid, but Liverpool are believed to be looking for between £8m and £10m for the player. A number of Premier League clubs are also monitoring Phillips’ situation, including Burnley, who are managed by Scott Parker.
There have been some signs that Phillips could be leaving Liverpool this summer, with the player posting an Instagram post in May to thank manager Klopp for helping him with his career.
Notably, John Achterberg – Liverpool’s soon-to-be-departed goalkeeping coach – left a comment: “You’re a good defender Nat! Good luck with your next move.” This was seen as a clear hint about Phillips’ future.
Clearing out the squad and looking for new additions is essential for Liverpool if they are to compete with the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal next season. New manager Arne Slot will need time to build a squad that fits his philosophy and return Liverpool to their status as one of the top teams in England.
For Nat Phillips, a move away from Liverpool could be a significant step in his career. He has shown his ability in the opportunities he has been given and could benefit from regular playing time elsewhere. However, the final decision will depend on the negotiations between Liverpool and interested clubs, as well as Phillips’ own wishes.
