‘I think everyone at West Brom would like to see it’.
West Bromwich Albion’s new signing has big intentions at The Hawthorns after his switch from Liverpool.
West Brom have made their first signing of the Ryan Mason era.
The club confirmed the arrival of central defender Nat Phillips from Liverpool for £1 million, rising to £3m if various add-ons are triggered.
Phillips, who played 32 Championship matches on loan at Derby last season, has penned a three-year contract at The Hawthorns with an eye on getting the club promoted.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to it and as soon as I found out about the interest I just wanted to get here and get going.
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“A big factor was that this is a big club with high aspirations – and I would say those aspirations align with mine.
“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. Throughout my career I’ve always wanted to develop a rhythm and continue to play week in, week out.
“I feel like I did that in the second half of last season, and I want to continue that rhythm and try to take that into the season coming up.
“I’ve had a number of loans over the past few years and it will 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.”
Phillips’ arrival has been timed to perfection as new head coach Mason is due to begin pre-season training this week.
He has featured in the Premier League and across European competitions for Liverpool, where he came through the academy.
The 28-year-old boasts considerable experience in the English second tier, most notably helping Bournemouth win promotion while on loan during the 2021/22 term.
Bolton-born Phillips has also played Championship football for Cardiff, as well as with the Rams, and has spent time abroad via spells at German side Stuttgart and Scottish champions Celtic.
He scored a vital goal for Derby in their 1-0 win at Hull towards the end of last season to help the club avoid relegation to League One.
Albion sporting director Andrew Nestor said: “We are really pleased to welcome Nat to The Hawthorns. He has valuable experience as he knows the division well, has also competed at a top club like Liverpool, and in leagues outside of England.
“Nat will bolster an already strong backline and brings with him leadership qualities which really stood out for us.
“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.”
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