West Bromwich Albion have fended off fellow Championship sides to the signature of Liverpool defender Nat Phillips for an undisclosed fee.
The English defender has been a regular in the Championship over the past year, being a staple of Derby County‘s defence as they beat the drop and scored a vital goal against Hull City on the penultimate game of the season, which ultimately clinched survival for John Eustace’s side. He played 33 times across the season for The Rams, winning 70% of his aerial duels within the league.
Albion Beat Championship Rivals
According to John Percy of The Telegraph, West Brom will sign Phillips as their first signing under Ryan Mason and the club are looking at further additions before beginning pre-season training next month. Phillips, who has 12 months left on his Liverpool contract, will be the second centre-back to leave Anfield as former Bristol Rovers loanee Jarell Quansah is expected to leave for Bayer Leverkusen. Reports have also suggested that Rhys Williams, who spent last season on loan at Morecambe, will also depart the reigning Premier League champions.
Albion had competition for the 28-year-old, with his former loan club Derby interested in a permanent move for the centre-back as well as Norwich City, according to The Athletic. The Canaries have since moved down other avenues in the position, securing Swansea City defender Harry Darling on a free transfer.
Phillips has played three seasons in the Championship for Derby, Cardiff City and AFC Bournemouth. He has Champions League experience for Liverpool and Celtic, playing against AC Milan and RB Leipzig.
Writers’ View
With Semi Ajayi leaving the club after his contract expired, West Bromwich Albion needed a new centre-back and it feels that Nat Phillips was perhaps one of the better choices in the market. Whilst they will have to pay Liverpool a fee unlike Norwich’s deal for Harry Darling, Phillips is a very reliable and experienced figure in the Championship. Phillips was a lynchpin for The Rams as they sealed survival. Alongside Torbjorn Heggem and Kyle Bartley, Albion have a very strong defence going into next season.
