Earlier this summer Liverpool looked set to let go of cult-hero defender Nat Phillips after the defender enjoyed an impressive loan spell at AFC Bournemouth, helping the club to Premier League promotion.
The newly-promoted club have opened talks with the Reds this week over signing Phillips, however, what was thought to be a permanent switch may end up being another loan spell.
According to Football Insider, Jurgen Klopp prefers the idea of a loan switch for the 25-year-old defender who he believes still has a future at the Merseyside club.
This could turn out to be a stroke of genius, if Phillips enjoys a solid season for Bournemouth in the Premier League and starts a majority of games, his price tag will only rise if Liverpool choose to let go of him next summer.
Bournemouth are in talks to sign Nat Phillips on a season-long loan deal.
While the Reds initially wanted to sell the defender, there has been a change of heart that will only see him leave temporarily. [@footyinsider247] pic.twitter.com/V79zNqEflk
— Anfield Edition (@AnfieldEdition) July 5, 2022
Phillips was a key component and reason for Liverpool being in the UEFA Champions League last season; the defender started in 15 games during the 2020/21 campaign, where the club were without the injured Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.
However, with Van Dijk and Matip back to the peak of their powers this season and the addition of Ibrahim Konate last summer, a place in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI has been tough to find for the 25-year-old.
Nevertheless, the choice to send out Phillips on loan again seems to be a clever one, the defender has proved he has the quality to mix it with the best when given the opportunity and his current £15 million valuation could skyrocket after a successful season in the English top-flight.