Liverpool transfers: Defender admits future uncertain amid manager change

Nat Phillips has enjoyed a productive loan spell away from Liverpool at Cardiff City since joining the Championship side during the January transfer window. 

The 27-year-old centre back has been a key fixture in Erol Bulut’s backline since moving to Wales, earning rave reviews for his performances in the second tier. 

The Reds had previously sent Phillips out on loan to Scottish champions Celtic on a half-season deal last summer. He only played eight times for the Hoops before returning to Anfield, scoring an own goal in a defeat against Kilmarnock in his final appearance.

He made the breakthrough for Liverpool during the 2020-21 season as a deputy for the injured Virgil van Dijk, winning the hearts of Reds’ fans, featuring in 17 Premier League matches and 20 overall.

However, the following season his playing time would be curtailed and he joined Bournemouth on loan, where he helped them achieve promotion to the Premier League. 

Leeds United had been linked with a permanent move for Phillips last summer, with a fee of £10m mooted, but it ultimately failed to materialise. He found himself well down the pecking order on Merseyside after his return and needed another loan move in order to guarantee first-team football.

Phillips: Liverpool have got a lot to sort out 

Phillips is out of contract at the end of next season and admits that right now the fate of his Liverpool career is very much undecided. 

"I had a brief conversation with the loan manager at Liverpool," the defender told BBC Sport Wales. “There is so much going on at the club. 

"There's a lot of change going on at Liverpool so there's a lot up in the air there. They've got a lot to sort out themselves." 

Liverpool look set to appoint Arne Slot as their new manager as a replacement for Jurgen Klopp, but Phillips admits that he is in the dark regarding his Anfield future whoever the manager and doesn't know whether he will have any part to play next term. 

"It's difficult to say because I don't know who the manager is going to be next year and that sort of thing,” he said. 

"Once things start to unfold, I'll be able to build a bit more of a picture of what I see my plan for the future is." 

Phillips not against new Cardiff loan 

Liverpool will lose Joel Matip on a free transfer this summer while defenders such as Goncalo Inacio and Willian Pacho have been linked with the club. 

Phillips adds that he has found the loan spell at the Bluebirds constructive and is not against another move there next season should he be put up for loan. 

“I have enjoyed my time here and enjoyed playing regularly," he said. "I want to continue to play regular football and enjoy my football.”