By Simon Wilkes
West Brom believe they have signed a centre-back ‘entering his peak years’ after completing a move for Liverpool defender Nat Phillips.
Phillips has finally brought the curtain down on a nine-year spell at Anfield, moving to The Hawthorns in a summer transfer switch reported to be around £3million.
The 28-year-old has struggled to establish himself in the first team on Merseyside, having spent five loan spells away from Liverpool during his time with the Reds.
Impressed by Albion ambition
But the 6ft 3ins centre-back hopes to be back in the Premier League, having been impressed by the club’s ambitions under new manager Ryan Mason, who has been named as the replacement for Tony Mowbray.
Mowbray left the Baggies after missing out on a place in the Championship play-offs last season, when they finished ninth after winning just 15 of 46 league games.
Albion sporting director Andrew Nestor hailed the club’s capture of Phillips, telling the Express & Star: “He has valuable experience as he knows the division well, has also competed at a top club like Liverpool and in leagues outside of England.
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Leadership qualities
“Nat will bolster an already strong back line and brings with him leadership qualities, which really stood out for us.
“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.”
Phillips only had a year left on his contract at Anfield – and has signed a three-year contract at The Hawthorns, while also being the first signing of the summer by head coach Mason.
Championship experience
The Bolton-born defender has bags of Championship experience and spelt a successful loan spell with Derby County in the 2024/25 campaign.
He told the Express & Star: “I think everyone at the club and involved would like to see it competing for promotion and pushing for Premier League football – and that’s the same as me.
“I’m really looking forward to it and as soon as I found out about the interest I just wanted to get here and get going.
“Throughout my career I’ve always wanted to develop a rhythm and continue to play week in, week out.
“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.”
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