In a season in which a string of injuries to Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip meant that Fabinho and Jordan Henderson had to play at centre-back, the 27-year-old filled in admirably and helped his side finish third in the Premier League despite the difficult circumstancesNathaniel Phillips.
The rest of the season, however, he has been forced to come off the bench or move on loan.He spent the first half of last season at Celtic and the second half at Cardiff City.
Every summer he has been reported to be on the verge of leaving, but this summer is the only time he is close to a full transfer.
Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, a Turkish journalist, reported that Trabzonspor, who finished third in the domestic league, had made an offer for the former Bolton defender, with a follow-up report revealing that the offer had been rejected and Liverpool were demanding a €5 million transfer fee.
“EXCLUSIVE | Trabzonspor have made an official offer for Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips”
ÖZEL | Trabzonspor, Liverpool forması giyen Nathaniel Phillips için resmi teklif yaptı!
— Yağız Sabuncuoğlu (@yagosabuncuoglu) July 5, 2024
“Trabzonspor’s first offer was rejected. Liverpool wanted 5 million euros for Nathaniel Philips.”
Trabzonspor'un yaptığı ilk teklif reddedildi. Liverpool, Nathaniel Philips için 5 milyon euro istedi. https://t.co/LdSJAzxXar
— Yağız Sabuncuoğlu (@yagosabuncuoglu) July 7, 2024
The 27-year-old centre-back, who is under contract until June 2025, has no future if he stays at Anfield any longer. Liverpool are also in the running to sign a new defender this summer, which would force him to live on loan once again.
He will be 30 in a few years’ time, so it’s time for him to move to a club where he can play every week.
He has proven himself in the Championship, so with a move within England a possibility, will he be looking for a new home in Turkey?