Liverpool have confirmed the permanent transfer of defender Nathaniel Phillips to West Bromwich Albion for a reported £3 million, including add-ons, on June 23, 2025, ending his nine-year stint at Anfield.
The 28-year-old centre-back, who made 29 senior appearances for the Reds, joins the Championship side on a three-year deal, becoming new head coach Ryan Mason’s first signing.
The move, first reported by The Athletic and journalist John Percy, marks another step in Arne Slot’s strategic squad overhaul as Liverpool prepare to defend their 2024/25 Premier League title and compete in the Champions League.
Phillips, dubbed the “Bolton Baresi” by fans, was a cult hero for his heroics during Liverpool’s injury-ravaged 2020/21 season, playing 20 times, including a 1-0 FA Cup win over Everton and a crucial goal against Burnley.
His 70% aerial duel success and five clearances per match last season at Derby County, where he made 33 appearances on loan, showcased his reliability.
However, with only one year left on his £65,000-weekly contract and no first-team path under Slot, Phillips’ exit aligns with Liverpool’s aggressive transfer strategy, which includes £287 million spent on Florian Wirtz (£116m), Marc Guéhi (£100m), Milos Kerkez (£40m), Jeremie Frimpong (£29.5m), and Freddie Woodman (free).
Slot’s overhaul, funded partly by Jarell Quansah’s £35 million sale to Bayer Leverkusen, addresses defensive depth amid Ibrahima Konaté’s potential 2026 free agency and Andy Robertson’s ACL injury.
Phillips’ move to West Brom, who finished ninth in the Championship last season, bolsters their promotion push, with sporting director Andrew Nestor praising his “leadership qualities” and experience from loans at Bournemouth, Celtic, Cardiff, and Stuttgart.
Fans on X are bittersweet, with @JamesPearceLFC noting Phillips’ medical and @Corballyred celebrating the wage bill relief, though some lament losing a reliable backup.
The transfer, alongside the release of seven academy players and Harvey Elliott’s openness to a move post-Wirtz, reflects Slot’s ruthless vision to streamline the squad.
With talks for a new striker like Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike ongoing, Liverpool’s focus is on building a versatile, high-energy unit.
Phillips’ exit, while emotional for fans who cherished his 2020/21 contributions, frees up resources for Slot to further reshape the Reds, positioning them to dominate domestically and in Europe.
