Liverpool’s forgotten man Nat Phillips was targeted by Benfica in the final days of the summer transfer window according to reports.
The Portuguese giants were interested in the defender, however, Liverpool’s injury crisis at the time meant the club’s hands were tied, and he couldn’t leave.
At the time, he was the third choice option as Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate were both injured and he had started the home draw against Crystal Palace.
Despite not getting what would have been a huge move for his career, reports from the Athletic claimed he has been a consummate professional behind the scenes.
Fabrizio Romano on Liverpool's departures:
"Both Nat Phillips and Roberto Firmino have had the opportunity to move to another club in recent weeks. But Liverpool refused because of the many injuries." #lfc [wett freunde] pic.twitter.com/6jacAzjbku
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) August 29, 2022
Phillips to Benfica fall-out
The report from the Athletic claims that Liverpool were willing to sell him for around £12M ($13.8M).
The Athletic revealed the day before the deadline, that Benfica had tried to sign Phillips on a season-long loan. The club needed defensive reinforcements urgently and their German manager Roger Schmidt had been a fan of Phillips since his loan stint at Stuttgart in 2019-20.
It would have meant Champions League football for a player who had just spent the year on loan in the Championship with Bournemouth and would have been a great opportunity for the defender.
Southampton had also looked to move for the defender on a loan move but were told the same answer as Benfica.
"It's really ridiculous!" 😅
Jürgen Klopp loved Nat Phillips' composed turn to get out a sticky situation against AC Milan… 🤭#UCL pic.twitter.com/khjZo78oaK
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 8, 2021
He had been earmarked to move to Bournemouth on a permanent deal, following a successful loan spell which saw them win promotion to the Premier League last year.
Liverpool had also seen centre-back options such as Ben Davies and Rhys Williams also leave which meant with the club’s injury issues they were struggling for options. Phillips had to be kept as a precaution.
It’s a tough situation for the defender, but Klopp’s staff say his attitude and application in training have continued to be exemplary and they know that won’t change. Also, he most likely would have made the move to Bournemouth, as the Benfica interest only came in at the very end of the transfer window.
Now he’s set for a spell on the bench, where its likely he will only get minutes in fringe games or cup games before the January transfer window, where he could depart the club.
