---
title: "Exclusive: Pundit drops brutal verdict on Liverpool defender"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/exclusive-pundit-drops-brutal-verdict-on-liverpool-defender/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Harry Sherlock"
section: "Exclusive"
published: "2021-08-26T06:30:35Z"
modified: "2021-08-26T06:30:35Z"
---

# Exclusive: Pundit drops brutal verdict on Liverpool defender

**Former Premier League striker Nigel Jemson, a Liverpool fan, insists that the Reds need to aim higher with their new signings than Nat Phillips.**

The 24-year-old defender has been linked with a move away from the club this summer as the Reds restructure their squad.

Phillips has been seen as a potential option for both [Southampton](https://theathletic.com/2751277/2021/08/05/liverpool-mailbag-origi-and-shaqiris-futures-contract-renewals-and-elliotts-role-this-season/?access_token=6245961) and [Newcastle United](https://theathletic.com/2751277/2021/08/05/liverpool-mailbag-origi-and-shaqiris-futures-contract-renewals-and-elliotts-role-this-season/), along with [West Ham United](https://www.football365.com/news/west-ham-make-contact-with-liverpool-over-defender).

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The centre-back has come through the ranks at Anfield and has made a total of [21 appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nathaniel-phillips/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/371814/plus/0/saison/2020/wettbewerb/GB1/verein/31) for the club.

Phillips stepped into the breach after both Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk were struck down with injuries last season and made [17 Premier League appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nathaniel-phillips/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/371814/plus/0/saison/2020/wettbewerb/GB1/verein/31), even scoring in the 3-0 win over Burnley at the back-end of the campaign.

And Jemson believes that Liverpool likely need to move him on in this transfer window, and expects the Reds to include a buy-back clause in any deal.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, he said: *“I’m sure if they do let him go, there’ll be a buy-back clause or something like that if it progresses.*

*“If I’m being perfectly honest, if Liverpool want to win Premier Leagues or Champions Leagues, then we’re going to look a little bit higher than Nat Phillips.”*