PSV Eindhoven were left ‘surprised’ by Liverpool’s decision to loan Nathaniel Phillips to Bournemouth, as they’d been told he’d cost €12m.
That’s according to Eindhovens Dagblad, who say it was ‘to the surprise’ of the Dutch club, who had pursued the defender throughout January.
Phillips finds himself down the pecking order at Anfield this season, with Virgil van Dijk’s return to fitness and the summer signing of Ibrahim Konaté, meaning there is increased competition in Jurgen Klopp’s squad.
He had subsequently been linked with a move away, but one did not come until deadline day of the January transfer window when he completed a last-minute move to Championship side Bournemouth.
ED explain that PSV ‘initially heard a different story’ when they spoke to Liverpool about a deal for Phillips.
They showed ‘serious interest’ in the defender as they looked for cover for André Ramalho, who is out injured for two months.
They were offered several players, including a defender from Watford, but technical director John de Jong didn’t want those and was instead eyeing Phillips.
He, though, proved ‘unattainable’ as Liverpool made it clear they wanted €12m for a permanent transfer, something PSV either couldn’t afford or didn’t want to pay.
A loan deal wasn’t offered, and so when he eventually left for Bournemouth on one, it was ‘to the surprise’ of PSV.
They’re clearly a bit miffed, having been under the impression that a loan deal wasn’t possible and then seeing Liverpool go and agree to one with someone else instead.
How that’ll affect relations between the two clubs in future remains to be seen, particularly if Liverpool decide to ever make a move for Cody Gakpo, as has been rumoured.
