Liverpool have made a ‘£49m’ blunder after Phillips news – pundit
Paul Robinson insists Liverpool should have avoided signing Ibrahima Konate and instead signed a new striker or central midfielder.
The former Tottenham stopper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, reacted to the latest contract news out of Anfield.
On 31 August, Liverpool announced defender Nat Phillips had signed a new long-term deal with the club.
Phillips was called upon by Jurgen Klopp last season after a defensive injury crisis.
In response to this, Konate was signed from RB Leipzig earlier this summer in a deal worth £49million including fee and wages.
However, he is yet to make his debut for his new side following Virgil van Dijk’s return from injury.
Robinson insists this money could have been better spent as Liverpool look to regain the Premier League trophy.
“The Konate money would have been gratefully received in other areas,” Robinson told Football Insider assistant editor Dylan Childs.
“There’s been stuff about signing a new striker or centre midfielder.
“Nat Phillips was arguably their best player at the end of last season, he took on a mantle after the problems with the other centre-halves.
“I’m not surprised he’s signed a new deal. It’s an area where there struggled last season but now have an abundance of talent.“
Phillips ended up making 20 appearances in all competitions last season after injuries to Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.
However, the 24-year-old is yet to make an outing this season with the Reds unbeaten in the Premier League.
In other news, Kieran Maguire: Liverpool fans will be livid as Super League revamp ‘negotiations’ begin.