Back to Axa for Nat Phillips Amidst Transfer Speculations
£10 million man and stalwart defender, Nat Phillips, is returning to Anfield’s AXA Training Centre today. This commences Liverpool’s pre-season in earnest, following a six-week absence. Liverpool FC’s official website provides the roster expected to attend this initial gathering, with several notable names included.
Pre-season Kickoff: A Select Group
Inevitably, the first round of training is comprised of a select group, as many players called up for international duty at the close of last season have been given the weekend off. This unfortunately means that the Reds’ newest signings, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, will not be joining until Tuesday. Nevertheless, Liverpool enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them interested.
Anticipated to show up for duty is Phillips himself, despite rumours of interest from both Leeds United and Feyenoord. Thiago Alcantara, another with a cloud of speculation over his future, is due back tomorrow. After an extensive injury layoff, his return is eagerly awaited.
Among the ranks are Stefan Bajcetic, also returning from injury, as well as Adrian, Fabinho, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, and Darwin Nunez.
Nat Phillips: Another Round
One could be forgiven for thinking Phillips might wake up to Sonny and Cher’s ‘I Got You Babe’ blasting from his radio. The situation must feel rather like Groundhog Day for the Liverpool centre-back.
Despite concrete hints at a departure from Anfield, the 26-year-old still stands under the club’s banner, ready for yet another pre-season.
It’s not all downside for Phillips, of course. Daily training with top-tier footballers in world-class facilities isn’t something to complain about. Still, at this stage in his career, frustrations must be mounting.
As The Athletic reported last week, Liverpool have a £10 million asking price on Phillips this summer. For a player who hasn’t seen regular play in some time, this may come off as a touch inflated.
A Balancing Act: Value and Fair Play
If Liverpool don’t tread carefully, they risk pricing the former Bolton man out of a transfer, potentially leading to another year of limbo. It’s in everyone’s best interest to avoid this scenario.
Phillips is a consummate professional, always ready to show up and perform his role until told otherwise. He’s not one to create a ruckus or demand attention. This is precisely one of the reasons why Liverpool should endeavour to do right by him this summer.
It’s always a pleasure to have you back, Nat, but hopefully, this reunion will be a brief one.
