Liverpool have announced the departure of defender Nathaniel Phillips, who finalized a permanent switch to West Bromwich Albion on June 26, 2025, bringing his 10-year spell at Anfield to a close.
The 28-year-old, affectionately dubbed the “Bolton Baresi,” ends his Liverpool career with 29 senior appearances, having served as a dependable squad option during Jürgen Klopp’s successful reign.
His £4 million transfer has sparked heartfelt messages on social media, with fans thanking Phillips for his commitment and wishing him well in this new chapter.
Phillips, who joined the Liverpool academy from Bolton Wanderers in 2016, became a cult hero thanks to his rugged defending and timely contributions — most memorably during the injury-hit 2020/21 campaign. Thrust into the spotlight after long-term injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, he made 17 Premier League appearances that season, including a standout performance in a vital 1–0 victory over Burnley. His aerial strength (78% duel success rate) and 65 clearances in limited game time underlined his resilience, prompting Klopp to label him “a warrior.”
Following loan spells at Stuttgart, Bournemouth, Celtic, and Cardiff City — and a failed January 2025 move to Derby County after a medical issue — Phillips now departs for West Brom, where he will chase regular first-team action that proved elusive at Anfield.
With Liverpool recently cashing in on Jarell Quansah (£35 million to Bayer Leverkusen) and exploring a deal for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi, Phillips’ transfer fits Arne Slot’s broader defensive reshuffle. The club’s official farewell praised his “invaluable contributions,” while supporters took to social media to voice their appreciation. One fan wrote, “Nat gave everything for the badge — forever a Red,” with another adding, “Sad to see him go, but he deserves to play every week.”
Phillips’ exit follows a transformative summer at Anfield, where Liverpool spent £185.5 million on Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and Ármin Pécsi, offset by the departures of Quansah and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£8.4m to Real Madrid).
As Slot gears up to defend the Premier League title, Phillips’ move signals the end of a chapter for a player who embodied Liverpool’s grit and determination. Fans will hope to see him thrive at The Hawthorns and help West Brom’s promotion push.
