Nat Phillips’ Next Chapter: Liverpool Defender on Derby’s Radar for Permanent Switch

As Liverpool lift their 20th league title under the impressive stewardship of Arne Slot, one man quietly preparing to depart Anfield has become the subject of admiration elsewhere. Nathaniel Phillips, a name still spoken with fondness among Kopites, is nearing the end of his Liverpool contract, and signs point to a permanent break from Merseyside this summer.

After a string of loan spells – five in total – Phillips found consistency at Derby County this season, helping the Rams secure their Championship status following promotion from League One. While not headline-grabbing in the manner of his parent club’s title triumph, Phillips’ contributions were vital, and Derby boss John Eustace is making no secret of his desire to keep him.

“Yeah, for sure. I think he’s been outstanding and his performances have been very good,” Eustace said. “The match-winning header last week [in a 1-0 victory over Hull City] was awesome.”

Eustace’s praise wasn’t merely polite; it was a pointed declaration. For a club fighting to re-establish itself in the second tier, a player of Phillips’ experience and temperament is gold dust.

From Anfield Cult Hero to Championship Stalwart

While Phillips never fully cemented a starting berth in Liverpool’s elite squad, his value to the club during times of crisis can’t be overstated. Rewind to the 2020/21 season – a campaign marred by defensive injuries – and it was Phillips who stood tall. Alongside Rhys Williams, he became an unlikely but crucial figure in Liverpool’s surge to Champions League qualification.

That season earned him the affectionate moniker ‘Bolton Baresi’ from supporters – a tongue-in-cheek nod to his no-nonsense style and his surprise rise to prominence. More recently, he etched his name into Reds folklore again with that Cruyff turn against AC Milan at San Siro – an audacious moment that felt worlds away from his reputation as a traditional centre-half.

Yet, those moments have grown more distant. Phillips hasn’t featured for Liverpool’s first team since an FA Cup replay against Wolves in January 2023. At 28, the time has come to move on.

Derby Offering Stability After a Nomadic Spell

This season’s 33 appearances for Derby represent more game time than he managed in several years at Liverpool, where he notched just 29. The need for stability – something sorely lacking during his career so far – may well tip the scales in Derby’s favour.

Phillips has always been a player defined more by what he brings to a team’s defensive structure than by flash or flair. But in an era where calm, competent defenders with leadership qualities are increasingly rare, he could be a transformative figure at Pride Park.

There will undoubtedly be other suitors. A free transfer for a player with Premier League and Champions League experience, not to mention Championship know-how, will not go unnoticed. Still, Derby appear well-placed to offer not just a contract, but a central role and appreciation.

Liverpool Legacy Intact Regardless of Next Move

No Liverpool supporter will begrudge Phillips a fresh start. He may not have ended up with hundreds of appearances or multiple medals, but he leaves as a player who answered the call when few others could. He provided stability during chaos and etched his name into the collective memory of the club’s supporters.

Whether Derby succeed in signing him permanently or he ends up elsewhere, Phillips’ story is a reminder that even peripheral players can leave an indelible mark – not just through moments of brilliance, but through grit, commitment and a touch of humility.

As the summer transfer window looms, all eyes in Derby will be on whether their standout loanee returns for good. And while Liverpool prepare for another season under Slot’s golden touch, Phillips embarks on the next phase of a career that, if not glittering, has always been honest.