Liverpool's summer of change rolls on as this week kicked off with the official departure of a defender that has long been on the books at Anfield without actually playing there very often.
Central defender Nathaniel Phillips last suited up for Liverpool in a competitive match during the 2022/23 season when he was used as a substitute in an FA Cup 3rd round victory over Wolves in January 2023.
What followed was loan moves to Celtic, Cardiff City and Derby County before he finally made an official exit this window.
Injury crisis hero, but nothing more
Phillips will be most remembered by Liverpool fans for his efforts during the 2020/21 season that saw the Reds defense ravaged by injury, only to see Phillips and a young Rhys Williams step in to hold the line and somehow secure European qualification.
Aside from that inspired run, Phillips has not seen many chances to shine in Red as he has consistently been down the ladder in terms of defensive options.
He played 19 times in the Premier League for Liverpool during his near decade on their books.
Now, following a rock solid 2024/25 season on loan at Championship side Derby County where he helped them maintain their status in the division after playing 32 times in the league with one goal and three assists, he got his move.
That solid campaign from the 28-year old has allowed him to find a new permanent home instead of living the life of a loan player, which is never easy.
Nat Phillips heading to 'The Hawthorns'
Championship side West Brom won the race for Phillips as their £3 million bid was accepted by Liverpool.
There was a host of Championship clubs that were interested but it was The Baggies that were able to get a deal across the line and their sporting director Andrew Nestor is over-the-moon.
"We believe he is entering his peak years as a centre-back, and hope to see him develop even further with us here as a player and leader within our group."Andrew Nestor on signing Nat Phillips
One can imagine the relief the player himself must feel after years of one-year loans across England as well as Scotland and Germany. He will now have a firm idea of his future as he enters the prime years of his playing career.
Phillips echoed this sentiment to West Brom's official website.
""I've had a number of loans over the past few years and it'll be really nice for me and my family to go somewhere and know we're staying there to develop a relationship with the club and the fans.""Nat Phillips
Liverpool finally have clarity surrounding one of their longest tenured players, and while the fee in return is modest, it's a fresh start for both the player and club.
Cheers to a hardworking player that never quite met the mark at Anfield.