Phillips has been under contract with Liverpool since 2016. Regretfully, though, the defender has only made 29 appearances for the team that Jürgen Klopp left Bolton to join, making him something of a bit part player.
The print edition of The Mirror states that the Cardiff loanee, who has only made 94 first-team appearances in his career, is being linked to a summer transfer to Leeds United.
The 27-year-old dominant defender has experienced injury problems since the beginning of his career.
After joining Liverpool in 2016, he sustained a back injury that prevented him from playing for much of the 2017–18 season. The next season, it was a similar tale as he was unable to capitalize on an outstanding preseason due to an ankle ailment that necessitated major surgery.
Phillips’ fortunes finally turned around in 2019–20, when the 22-year-old signed a new contract at Anfield and moved on loan to Germany.
The next season, Phillips made his Premier and Champions League debut for Liverpool due to an injury crisis at Stuttgart, which gave the defender the opportunity to acquire experience. He scored his first goal as a professional in a 3-0 victory away at Turf Moor, and he also assisted his team in taking third place in the league.
In all honesty, the player who was born in Bolton hasn’t had any success since then. His big chance at Celtic was a major letdown, despite his successful loan moves to Bournemouth and Cardiff. It appears a permanent move away from his parent club is imminent.
As reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, Farke expressed interest in hiring Phillips in January; nevertheless, he was let go to join Cardiff in Wales.
Leeds should still find it difficult to negotiate with the Merseyside club given that his contract expires in the summer of 2026. He would be an inexpensive addition to one of the Championship’s top defenses at an estimated transfer value of £3 million, something Farke’s team could easily afford.
The Elland Road supporters should be concerned about Cardiff’s desire in keeping him on for the upcoming campaign. Regarding his stay in Wales, Phillips stated, “I have enjoyed playing regularly and I have enjoyed my time here.”
The Liverpool teenager has battled consistency throughout his career, but if he stays in the Welsh capital, you think they have a chance of holding onto him.
Leeds’ offer of Premier League football may be the difference between Phillips joining them and Cardiff. Nat Phillips may find relief with a Leeds promotion and the consequent signing after making just 19 appearances in the top league and it seemed unlikely that he would return to Liverpool.