Forgotten Liverpool defender leaves Anfield two-and-half years after his last appearance for the Reds

Liverpool defender Nat Phillips has completed a transfer to West Bromwich Albion, ending a nine-year stay on Merseyside. 

The 28-year-old made 29 senior appearances for the Reds in that time, with the majority of his tenure spent out on loan. Phillips has agreed to join the Championship side on a three-year deal. 

Phillips spent last season in the second tier with Derby County and helped the Rams avoid relegation. He has also had short stints in the Championship with Bournemouth and Cardiff. 

The centre-back had further spells in Scotland with Celtic and Germany with Stuttgart. He last featured for Liverpool in January 2023. 

Phillips ascended to cult hero status at Anfield for his role in helping the Reds secure Champions League qualification during the 2020-21 campaign. 

With Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez all sidelined with serious injuries, Phillips became Jurgen Klopp's most experienced centre-back. His impressive displays saw him voted the club's Player of the Month in March 2020. 

In a statement announcing his departure on Liverpool's website, the Premier League champions thanked Phillips for his efforts and wished him the best for the future. 

Meanwhile, West Brom sporting director Andrew Nestor said Phillips would bring 'valuable experience' to a side that finished ninth last season. 

'Nat will bolster an already strong back line and brings with him leadership qualities, which really stood out for us,' he told the club's website. 

'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 said: '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'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.'