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Liverpool's Transfer Window Sees Marseille Interest

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. l-s-transfer-window-sees-marseille-interest.html
  Published in House and Home on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 2:27 GMT by Liverpool Echo
      Locales: UNITED KINGDOM, FRANCE

Marseille, France - February 13th, 2026 - Liverpool Football Club's January transfer window, while relatively quiet overall, saw significant activity behind the scenes. French giants Olympique de Marseille emerged as keen suitors for two Liverpool players: centre-back Nat Phillips and midfielder Arthur Melo. While only one deal ultimately materialized - Arthur's early return to Juventus - the attempts to secure both players highlight a changing dynamic at Anfield and the club's evolving squad management strategy.

Reports from earlier this year confirm that Marseille registered concrete interest in both Phillips and Arthur during the January window. Their pursuit of Phillips, in particular, underscored their need for defensive reinforcement amidst a season of fluctuating form in Ligue 1. Liverpool, acknowledging Phillips' limited playing time, were reportedly open to letting the defender leave, but a deal ultimately faltered due to disagreements over contract terms. The breakdown wasn't a matter of financial valuation, but rather a structuring of the deal that didn't align with Liverpool's long-term objectives.

Nat Phillips' story at Liverpool is a compelling one of seizing opportunity and subsequently finding himself surplus to requirements. He unexpectedly broke into the first team during the injury-ravaged 2020/21 season, becoming a crucial component in Liverpool's fight to secure a Champions League berth. Stepping in for the injured Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, Phillips demonstrated composure, strength, and an uncanny ability to read the game. His performances were widely lauded by fans and pundits alike, and he even earned a new contract as a result.

However, with the return to fitness of Van Dijk, Gomez, and the subsequent arrival of Ibrahima Konate, Phillips quickly found himself relegated down the pecking order. The competition for central defensive spots became fierce, and despite his proven capabilities, Phillips has struggled to regain a consistent place in Jurgen Klopp's starting eleven. His last Premier League appearance came in February 2022 - a stark reminder of his peripheral role. His professionalism throughout this period has been commendable, and the club's willingness to entertain offers from Marseille speaks to their respect for the player and a desire to provide him with a platform to showcase his talents regularly.

The situation with Arthur Melo proved to be a more straightforward, albeit disappointing, outcome. The Brazilian midfielder arrived on a season-long loan from Juventus in September with high expectations. He was intended to provide much-needed depth in midfield, particularly given Liverpool's history of injuries in that area. However, Arthur failed to make a significant impact, making only nine appearances across all competitions. His performances were often criticized for a lack of pace and physicality, and he struggled to adapt to the demanding tempo of the Premier League.

Ultimately, a mutual agreement was reached to terminate the loan deal, allowing Arthur to return to Juventus. This outcome, while perhaps disappointing for all parties involved, was seen as a pragmatic decision by Liverpool, freeing up a squad space and avoiding the continued investment in a player who wasn't contributing as expected. The move has prompted speculation about Liverpool's potential midfield targets in future transfer windows, with a focus on dynamic, energetic players who can seamlessly integrate into Klopp's high-pressing system.

The January window, therefore, served as a microcosm of Liverpool's current trajectory. The club is in a period of transition, managing a squad brimming with talent but also needing to adapt to the evolving demands of modern football. The willingness to allow Phillips to potentially move on, coupled with the swift termination of Arthur's loan, signals a clear message: Liverpool are committed to building a squad based on both quality and consistent performance. Looking ahead, the summer transfer window will be crucial as Klopp and the recruitment team aim to further refine the squad and ensure Liverpool remain competitive on all fronts. Marseille's interest in Phillips may resurface, particularly if their defensive vulnerabilities persist, while Liverpool will be actively scouting potential midfield reinforcements. The January window may have been understated, but it offered a valuable glimpse into the club's future plans.