27-year-old defender Nathaniel Phillips has spent much of his time outside Liverpool, except for the 2020/21 season, which saw a number of injuries to the centre-backs. He spent the first half of the season at Celtic and the second half on loan at Cardiff City.
He became a regular in the Welsh capital soon after joining the club and has started 16 games. The Bolton-born centre-back has had a good time at Cardiff and has revealed a desire to play for the club next season.
Liverpool have a new manager, but there is no place for a defender who is so dominant in the air. In recent years, rumours of an exit have been rife whenever the transfer window opened, but none of them have materialised, but this summer could be the summer he leaves Anfield.
According to the Mirror, Leeds United, who are battling for top spot in the Champions League this season, are keen to land the Liverpool defender and could make a move for him, whether they are in the Premier League next season or remain in the Championship.
He has a contract with Liverpool until June 2025, with one year remaining this summer. He is not a player who can demand a lot of money in the first place, and a complete transfer for a not-too-high fee is likely to be possible.
The club have acquired Welsh defender Joe Rodon on loan from Tottenham Hotspur this season. The 27-year-old centre-back, who has been on the pitch for almost every game, is keen to make the move permanent, but the London club are looking for around £15 million, which is difficult to come up with.
Will Nathaniel Phillips join his new club on a full transfer rather than a loan…?