Liverpool unintentionally drops hint on Nat Phillips’ departure via club website
Liverpool Football Club, under the management of Jurgen Klopp, is currently undergoing a significant squad overhaul following their disappointing fifth-place finish in the previous Premier League season.
Having already secured the signings of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai for a combined fee of £90 million, the Reds are actively seeking additional reinforcements, particularly in midfield and at the center-back position.
To make room for new arrivals and generate transfer funds, Klopp has sanctioned the departure of several senior players, including James Milner, Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, whose contracts expired last month.
In an intriguing development, Liverpool may have inadvertently dropped a clue about the impending departure of Nat Phillips from Anfield. This revelation emerged with the unveiling of the club’s new away kit for the upcoming 2023/24 campaign.
Curiously, when browsing the club’s official website, fans would notice that there is no option available to select Phillips’ name for customization on the back of the shirt, unlike the rest of the senior squad members.
The question now arises: Could Phillips be on his way out of Liverpool this summer?
The 26-year-old defender has struggled to secure regular playing time in recent seasons, featuring in just two Premier League matches over the past two campaigns. Last season, he was loaned out to Bournemouth and was previously linked with a move away from Liverpool.
Despite his limited appearances, Phillips, hailing from Bolton, has earned high praise from Klopp, who once described him as a “monster.” The manager retained him at the club to provide defensive cover, but speculation surrounding his potential transfer has persisted.
Leeds United, who were relegated last season, are reportedly interested in acquiring Phillips, while Dutch club Feyenoord has also emerged as a potential suitor. During Liverpool’s defensive injury crisis in the 2020-21 season, Phillips made 29 senior appearances for the Reds, showcasing his abilities.
In addition to the Nat Phillips situation, eagle-eyed supporters have also noticed that Kaide Gordon, the 18-year-old winger, is included as a selectable option for the shirts. This suggests that Klopp may have plans for Gordon’s involvement in the upcoming campaign.
Gordon, who has been sidelined for 17 months due to a pelvic injury, is expected to return to full training next week, providing a boost to Liverpool’s attacking options.
As Liverpool prepares for their opening pre-season friendly against German side Karlsruher, scheduled for Wednesday, they face an intriguing start to the new Premier League season, commencing with an away fixture against Chelsea on August 13.