It wouldn't be a summer transfer window at Liverpool for Nat Phillips without a little uncertainty.
Two years ago, the centre-back was preparing for the new campaign when he was lured to Stuttgart, then of the German second division, for a season-long loan.
Less than 12 months ago, Phillips admitted he had his bags packed and ready to leave for Championship side Swansea City before the deal floundered shortly before October's deadline.
Now, once again, the defender finds his name being linked with a host of clubs amid ongoing speculation over his long-term Liverpool future.
That they are mostly Premier League sides rather than those outside the top flight underlines how matters have dramatically changed for the 24-year-old defender during the past 10 months.
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Newcastle United are the latest to have registered an interest in Phillips, joining Southampton, Burnley and Brighton. West Ham United and Bayer Leverkusen are also said to be keeping a watching brief.
The appeal is obvious.
Having never appeared in the Premier League before October last year, Phillips went on to make 17 appearances - 15 from the start - for the side that finished third. He also featured in a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
Liverpool believe around £15m is a fair price for Phillips but are in no rush to cash in, Jurgen Klopp no doubt mindful of a repeat of the centre-back shortage that decimated his squad last season and, as a consequence, provided the player a chance to impress.
Ultimately, though, it may be the desire of the player - and the financial windfall that would surely come with it - that forces Liverpool to reluctantly allow Phillips to depart.
Pre-season may well have proven instructive in that regard, the return to action of both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez allowing a pecking order to emerge.
Time has been given for new signing Ibrahima Konate and Joel Matip to strike up a partnership, with the pair at present considered favourites to start the Premier League opener at Norwich City next Saturday.
It was notable that Phillips, despite having only been introduced at half-time against Hertha Berlin last week., made way when Van Dijk made his long-awaited comeback for the final 21 minutes.
And in Thursday's second friendly against Bologna, he played a mere 16 minutes when replacing Gomez late on.
Phillips is clearly the fifth-choice centre-back. And while opportunities will surely arise in the opening months due to Van Dijk and Gomez being carefully eased back into competitive action and Matip's injury history indicating he cannot make every game, it won't be as regular as during the second half of last season.
Phillips was arguably the most unexpected bonus of a difficult campaign. But it may be Liverpool - and the player himself - are presented with an offer too good to refuse before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
