Loan | Nat Phillips joins Cardiff City

We are delighted to confirm that Nathaniel Phillips has joined the Bluebirds on loan from Liverpool until the end of the 2023/24 season, subject to international clearance.

A product of the Liverpool academy, Phillips made his senior debut for the Reds in January 2020, having been recalled from a loan spell with VfB Stuttgart. The central defender went on to play a key part for Jürgen Klopp’s side in 2020/21, making 17 Premier League and three UEFA Champions League appearances.

The 26-year-old spent six months on loan with AFC Bournemouth in 2022, helping the Cherries secure automatic promotion to the top flight, before featuring for Scottish Premiership champions Celtic during the first half of this season.

After putting pen-to-paper in the Welsh capital, Nat said: “I think it’s a great stadium, a great city and a big club. I think the Club has ambitions to compete, and we’re in a decent position in the league. That made it an exciting move.

“We want to give it a good push for this second half of the season now. I want to play well for the team, and hopefully that will come with success. I spoke to the gaffer about how he wants me and the team to play, and it felt like a good fit.

“I had my first session today, and I enjoyed that. I already feel like I’m settling in nicely with the team, so I’m looking forward to getting going.”

Bluebirds boss Erol Bulut added: “Everybody knows Nat from his time in the Championship with Bournemouth, and also with Liverpool. He brings a lot of experience with him.

“He will help us a lot in the defensive shape, and also in our attacking shape to have better build-up from the back. He is good on the ball and he is a big addition in our squad.

“Today it is my birthday, and I have a birthday present from the Board, so I would like to thank them. Everybody is working hard, and I hope we can finalise more of what we need in the next few days.”

Welcome to CCS, Nat!