Liverpool, who have one of the strongest center back groups in the Premier League, including Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip, and Joe Gomez, are said to be targeting a left-handed center back in this summer’s transfer market and may add a new defender before the deadline.
Meanwhile, the departure of 26-year-old defender Nathaniel Phillips is imminent. In the preseason, 20-year-old defender Jarell Quansah has been heavily used and has been out of action. He finished last season as the fifth man and rarely saw the pitch, so it is not surprising that the mid-20s player would like to get some playing time.
According to the Football Insider, Leeds United are eager to sign him and are looking to strengthen their final line. In addition, they are planning a two-for-one deal with Manchester City’s 21-year-old defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
The club was relegated from the Premier League last season and forced to fight in the Championship. The club has released several center backs, including Maximilian Weber, Robin Koch, and Diego Llorente, and is in urgent need of a new center back.
During his time on loan at Bournemouth, he got a taste of playing in the Championship and contributed to their promotion to the Premier League, even though it was only for six months. His high scoring headers and fighting spirit in defence enable him to shut down the opposition attackers.
He played seven games last season, but only 368 minutes in total. In the new season, he has struggled to even get on the bench, and it is uncertain whether he will be available for the cup competitions as well. He has fallen out of the top five in the top flight, and rumors of his departure have been rife this summer.
At this point, there are no reports that Leeds United is taking any concrete action, but Liverpool is open to a sale. It is highly likely that Phillips will leave for a new club, as long as there is a club willing to pay the price he wants.
Will the former Bolton defender seek a new home in Leeds?