West Brom may have convinced Nat Phillips of Hawthorns transfer with smart approach
Andrew Nestor can be proud of his decisions at West Brom in the previous transfer window, and Nat Phillips is the perfect example.
The former Liverpool defender joined the Baggies for around £3million, and has lived up to expectations at the start of the season in B71.
Phillips and Chris Mepham have formed a solid partnership at the Black Country club, as was evident in the 1-0 win over Stoke City in the Championship on 30 August at the bet365 Stadium.
Ryan Mason is predicted to get a play-offs berth at The Hawthorns this season, and the 28-year-old Englishman will certainly play a huge role in achieving that goal.
Nat Phillips delighted by early transfer approach from West Brom
Phillips was the first summer signing at the Baggies, joining them in June from Liverpool.
It looks like the Albion were convinced the centre-back was the right player for them and pounced on his signature at The Hawthorns in the opening stages of the previous transfer window.
The defender has spent the last few seasons on loan away from the Reds, and the West Midlands outfit’s early approach may have convinced him to move to B71.
Speaking via BirminghamLive on 6 September, Phillips said: “Throughout my career so far I’ve been here, there and everywhere on loan, so when West Brom let me know early doors that they wanted to commit to me it was a nice feeling and gave me a lot of confidence.
“I’ve wanted to repay that, so I am just doing my best to try and put in as many positive and good performances as possible.”
Read More: What Mason has told Isaac Price about Premier League promotion already
Nat Phillips start at The Hawthorns in numbers
Phillips has caught the attention of Tony Brown after his performances for the Baggies this season, with the defender’s resilience admirable.
The centre-back is at his fourth club in three years after loan spells at Celtic, Cardiff City and Derby County, but hasn’t let that affect him.
It looks like the Englishman has been playing for the Albion for several years now, considering how comfortable he’s looked in Mason’s system.
| Championship 2025/26 | Statistics |
| Appearances | 4 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Shots | 8 |
| Successful passes (accuracy) | 232 (88.9%) |
| Accurate long balls (percentage) | 19 (52.8%) |
| Tackles won (percentage) | 3 (100%) |
| Duels won (percentage) | 26 (59.1%) |
| Aerial duels won (percentage) | 19 (61.3%) |
| Interception | 6 |
| Recoveries | 22 |
Mepham’s arrival has arguably only made Phillips stronger, with the former Liverpool ace helping West Brom in their build-up play.
The defender has been resolute at the back for the Baggies, winning every tackle he’s attempted and coming out on top in the majority of his duels.
Mason has also utilised the centre-back’s ability to play long balls to good effect, and fans will hope the Black Country outfit can maintain their current position in the league for the remainder of the campaign.
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