Liverpool have confirmed the permanent departure of Nat Phillips to West Bromwich Albion in a deal worth up to £3 million, including add-ons.
After almost a decade at Anfield, the 28-year-old defender signs a three-year deal with the Championship club, having made 29 first-team appearances for the Reds and spent much of the past six years out on loan.
Phillips joined Liverpool from Bolton in 2016 and made his senior debut in an FA Cup win over Everton in January 2020. He became a regular during the injury-hit 2020/21 season, making 20 appearances and playing a key role in helping Jürgen Klopp’s side secure a top-four finish.
Despite that run, the centre-back never fully established himself in the squad and went on to have loan spells with Stuttgart, Bournemouth, Celtic, Cardiff City and Derby County.
Last season, he impressed in the second half of the campaign at Derby, prompting fresh interest from the Championship and abroad. With one year left on his Liverpool contract, the club opted to cash in this summer.
Speaking to West Brom Website, Phillips said:
“As soon as I found out about the interest I just wanted to get here and get going.
“Throughout my career I’ve always wanted to develop a rhythm and continue to play week in, week out.
“I’ve had a number of loans over the past few years and it’ll be really nice for me and my family to go somewhere and know we’re staying there to develop a relationship with the club and the fans.”
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West Brom’s sporting director, Andrew Nestor, is confident the club have added experience and leadership to their defence.
“Nat will bolster an already strong back line and brings with him leadership qualities, which really stood out for us,” Nestor told the club website.
“We believe he is entering his peak years as a centre-back, and hope to see him develop even further with us here as a player and leader within our group.”
Phillips, who once turned down a college scholarship in the United States to pursue football with Liverpool, will now look to establish himself at West Brom as they target promotion in the new season.
