‘Incredible’ – Leeds United Interested in £10 Million Defender to Replace European Finalist

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Joe Blackburn, Editor | Last updated 6/27/23

Leeds United reportedly have an interest in signing Nat Phillips from Liverpool, with the player being valued by the Reds at approximately £10 million. Phillips, described as “incredible” by The Mirror, would likely come into the side to replace Diego Llorente, who was a part of the AS Roma squad that reached the Europa League final last season.

Leeds United Interested in Nat Phillips

Who is Nat Phillips?

Phillips is a centre-back who has been on Liverpool’s books since 2016, when he chose to take a spot in the Anfield side’s academy. After training with the first team in 2018, he hasn’t managed to kick on in Jurgen Klopp’s side. In spite of minutes in the Champions League and Premier League, he’s fallen behind his fellow defenders.

The defender has, however, succeeded when out on loan. He showed plenty of talent when out on loan at AFC Bournemouth in the 2021/22 season, in which he helped the side to promotion. That experience could be vital in helping Leeds United to find their way back to the Premier League.

Why are Leeds United Interested?

There are a few reasons that the Whites might be interested in a move for the defender, with the first being the sheer scale of the squad rebuild on the horizon. Players including Diego Llorente and Rasmus Kristensen are both looking to move to Roma, and with others also clamouring for top-division football ahead of Euro 2024, some more defensive depth is a must.

Specifically targeting the Liverpool defender, however, likely comes from a place of experience. Phillips has played in the Championship in the past and understands the physicality that the league demands without too much time to adapt. Whilst £10 million could be seen as something of a steep price point for someone that plays relatively little, there is a chance of him being a safer bet than some alternatives.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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