Former Premier League star Nigel Jemson insists that Liverpool have only given Nat Phillips a new contract to ensure they can receive a big fee for him if they do decide to sell.
The central defender has committed his future to the club, signing a new four-year contract.
Phillips has made a total of 21 appearances for the Reds, as he was routinely called upon last season amid an injury crisis that saw both Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk ruled out with serious injuries.
Does Nat Phillips have a future at Liverpool?
Yes
No
The centre-back has not played for the club this season, however, and the Reds took steps to improve their backline in the summer by signing Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig.
That is likely to limit Phillips’ chances all the more, as he has fallen down the pecking order under Jurgen Klopp.
And, as a result, Jemson believes that the contract has been designed to ensure they can receive a hefty fee if buyers make themselves known across the next two transfer windows, in either January or the summer.
Jemson said: “Nat Phillips, that’s one where I think you’ll look at it and think are they tying him down to a longer contract to demand a better fee for him?
“As much as both Phillips and Williams did well last season when they came in, I don’t think they’ll figure again this year with Konate, Van Dijk, Matip, Gomez, Fabinho can play at the back.
“Their chances are going to be limited so it’s just protecting their asset and trying to get as much money as they can.”
Phillips is valued at £7.2m by Transfermarkt.