AFCB Transfer News

Liverpool having second thoughts over proposed deal

|
Image for Liverpool having second thoughts over proposed deal

AFC Bournemouth are reportedly keen on bringing Nat Phillips back to the south coast from Liverpool for the 2022/23 Premier League season.

The 25-year-old joined the Cherries on a half-season loan deal during the January transfer window, in a deal that was widely reported, including by the BBC, that Liverpool would receive a loan fee of £1.5million plus an additional £250,000 if the Cherries achieve promotion to the Premier League.

Phillips made 17 Championship appearances, appearing on the winning side 9 times, drawing 6 times and losing just twice. A points per game return of 1.94, which was more than enough to clinch promotion to the Premier League by finishing 2nd in the Championship.

Understandably, speaking after clinching promotion, Phillips was delighted he made the choice to join AFC Bournemouth and appeared open to a potential return to Dean Court.

During the last month, it has been widely suggested that Liverpool had “placed a £15million price tag” on Phillips, however, the Liverpool Echo have since reported, that the FA Cup winners would maybe prefer another loan move for the central defender.

The local newspaper wrote…

“Club sources have indicated the Reds are weighing up whether a full departure this summer may be hasty – and if they could have a potential long-term replacement option for Joel Matip on their hands as the squad reshapes in the years to come.”

Should AFCB sign Phillips again for 2022/23?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Unsure

Unsure

The report goes on to add that Phillips signed a new contract at Anfield 12-months-ago and still has another three years remaining on that contract.

But “if Liverpool decide to send the defender out on loan next term, Bournemouth will almost certainly be his destination once again.”

Update: It has now been reported by Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam that the Cherries have made an approach to Liverpool.

Your say…

Red Sky wrote…

The most worrying part for me is we don’t have a settled back 4. If Chris Mepham and Lloyd Kelly weren’t the answer in the Championship then they ain’t going to be the answer facing relentless Premier League quality attacking players. We are also lacking key quality backup players in all our defensive positions.

Yes, I know the window has only just opened but we are already at a disadvantage compared to most teams and will lag further behind the longer it takes to get our business done. There are less than 2 months till the start of the season and we’ve seen that many if not most defensive partnerships usually take a decent amount of time to develop fully, especially to be ‘Premier League ready’ (and our fanbase is not the most patient at the best of times). At this stage, I think it will be a massive challenge to hit the ground running.

For me, bringing in Nat Phillips is crucial to mitigating the risk, and having that continuity from the Championship. I personally wouldn’t mind us paying that extra bit to have someone who is well integrated into the playing XI. We would definitely need other players who can fight him for his place but he would be my number 1 target.

Reading that back does sound unintentionally negative. I do have faith in Scotty Parker to assemble a competitive squad, I just feel like he has a bigger challenge to prepare for the start of the season than many people realise. – Join the conversation, click here.

Share this article

DJ

Up The Cherries!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *