Nat Phillips: West Bromwich Albion sign Liverpool defender

West Bromwich Albion have signed defender Nat Phillips from Liverpool for an undisclosed fee.

The 28-year-old, who managed to make just 19 Premier League appearances for Liverpool in his nine years on the books of the Anfield side, joins the Championship club on a three-year deal.

Phillips has vast experience in England’s second tier, helping Derby County avoid relegation last season after previously featuring for Bournemouth and Cardiff City at that level.

The centre-back has also played in Scotland for Celtic and in Germany with Stuttgart.

West Brom sporting director Andrew Nestor said Phillips would bring “valuable experience” to a side that finished ninth in the table last term.

“Nat will bolster an already strong back line and brings with him leadership qualities, which really stood out for us,” Nestor told the club website., external

“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.”