Liverpool defender Nat Phillips completes deadline day U-turn and signs new Anfield contract

Nat Phillips has told of his delight after signing a new long-term deal at Liverpool - despite being tipped to leave on deadline day.

The centre-back has penned a new four-year deal to remain at Anfield until the summer of 2025.

What’s been said

Phillips made 20 appearances for the Reds last season, stepping in admirably during a defensive crisis.

Now the 24-year-old is hoping to seize any further opportunities that come his way.

Phillips told liverpoolfc.com: “Obviously, after last year, it’s really nice to get that reward from the club. I’m happy to be sticking around and being available if the club need to call on me again.

“I’m excited for the next chapter and just to see what that brings.

“It is nice that the club has shown me that recognition and hopefully I can bring more of the same with whatever opportunities come my way.

“Over the off-season I had a bit of time to reflect on what had happened throughout the season, how it ended and to be proud of that.

“But like I’ve said in previous interviews, you don’t want to dwell on that too much and you want to look forward and see if you can continue to push in a positive direction.

“Obviously it was a dramatic change, no-one saw it coming, I didn’t see it coming – the circumstances that unfolded whereby I ended up playing regularly for Liverpool’s first team.

“For anybody playing for Liverpool’s first team, that is going to be life-changing. For me it’s the same. Obviously it’s brought about this opportunity as well.”

Deadline day U-turn

With Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all suffering long-term injuries last season, Phillips played signficiantly more games than he could have expected.

He helped Liverpool finish third in the Premier League and qualify for the Champions League.

However, with van Dijk, Gomez and Matip returning to full fitness - coupled with the £36 million arrival of Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig this summer - Phillips has slipped down the pecking order.

He’s been omitted from the opening three match-day squads of the season.

Phillips had attracted interest from Premier League clubs this summer and Liverpool wanted around £15 million for him.

However, with Rhys Williams expected to head out on loan to Swansea, Phillips has been kept around as cover.

Another new deal

Phillips becomes the second player to commit his future today.

Jordan Henderson signed a new four-year deal at Anfield this morning.

The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson have also penned their futures