The club confirmed the transfer, and while emotions run high, fans have flooded social media with messages of support and good wishes for his future.
Defender Nathaniel Phillips has completed a permanent transfer to West Bromwich Albion as of June 26, 2025, officially ending his decade-long association with Liverpool.
The 28-year-old, fondly known as the “Bolton Baresi,” leaves after making 29 senior appearances for the Reds, serving as a reliable backup during Jürgen Klopp’s successful tenure.
His £4 million move has triggered an outpouring of gratitude from supporters, who are thanking him for his dedication and wishing him success in his next chapter.
Phillips joined Liverpool’s academy from Bolton Wanderers in 2016 and quickly became a fan favorite for his tough, no-nonsense defending — particularly during the injury-plagued 2020/21 season. Stepping up after injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, he featured in 17 Premier League games, including a key clean sheet in a 1–0 win over Burnley. His 78% aerial duel success rate and 65 clearances highlighted his resilience, leading Klopp to describe him as “a warrior.”
After loan spells at Stuttgart, Bournemouth, Celtic, and Cardiff City — and a failed January 2025 transfer to Derby County due to medical issues — Phillips has now opted for West Brom in pursuit of regular playing time that eluded him at Liverpool.
His departure is part of Arne Slot’s ongoing defensive overhaul, following the £35 million sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen and reported interest in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi. Liverpool’s official farewell acknowledged Phillips’ “invaluable contributions,” while supporters expressed their appreciation online. One fan commented, “Nat gave everything for the badge — forever a Red,” and another added, “Sad to see him go, but he deserves regular football.”
Phillips leaves amid a busy summer of change at Anfield, which has seen £185.5 million spent on Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and Ármin Pécsi, balanced by the exits of Quansah and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£8.4 million move to Real Madrid).
As Slot prepares to defend Liverpool’s Premier League crown, Phillips’ departure marks the end of an era for a player who embodied the club’s determination and fighting spirit. Fans now hope he can help lead West Brom in their quest for promotion
