Liverpool Close to Offloading Defender Nat Phillips

Trabzonspor's supporters hold red flares and flags during the UEFA Europa League Group D football match between FC Basel 1893 and Trabzonspor AS at the St. Jakob-Park Stadium in Basel on December 12, 2019. (Photo by STEFAN WERMUTH / AFP) (Photo by STEFAN WERMUTH/AFP via Getty Images)

Nat Phillips’ exit from Liverpool seems imminent after nearly two years on the fringes. The 27-year-old center-back, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at Cardiff, has attracted interest from various clubs.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Turkish giants Trabzonspor are frontrunners for his signature. “Nat Phillips to Trabzonspor is a concrete possibility, yes. Trabzonspor are in negotiations for Phillips; waiting for the player to decide,” Romano said.

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Phillips has been deemed surplus to requirements at Liverpool, leading to his loan spells. While Championship clubs showed initial interest, their bids fell short of Liverpool’s £5 million valuation.

Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu meanwhile, reported that Trabzonspor have already made a bid for the defender which was rejected.

Sabuncuoglu posted on X: “The first offer made by Trabzonspor was rejected. Liverpool wanted £5 million for Nathaniel Phillips.”

Though Phillips played a crucial role during the 2020/21 injury crisis, making 20 appearances across competitions, his playing time has dwindled since.

Despite entering the final year of his contract, Liverpool were right to reject Trabzonspor’s first offer, considering Phillips’ past contributions. £5 million seems reasonable for a defender with Premier League experience.

With a potential move to Trabzonspor on the horizon, Phillips’ time at Liverpool is nearing its conclusion.

Trabzonspor finished last season in 3rd place and will book a place in European competition football next season. The Black Sea based side plan to strengthen the squad this summer to challenge for the title next term.