Joe Gomez was not listed in Liverpool's squad for its Premier League opener against Ipswich Town on Saturday. Sources report that the England international didn't travel to Portman Road with the team while he is still looking for options in the remainder of the summer window despite the season coming.
Though suffering injuries in his previous years, Gomez emerged to surge last season, including making the England squad for the Euro 2024.
With a sensational 66% tackle success in his 32 PL appearances, the 27-year-old was considered one of the most important defenders for the Reds last season, who helped his team to clinch a berth in the Champions League.
The 2024-25 season doesn’t seem to be promising to Gomez after being snubbed by manager Arne Slot in the pre-season friendlies.
The current club’s longest-serving player only recorded 16 minutes of play against Sevilla. According to The Times, Gomez and Liverpool have had “grown-up discussions” about his position, and his exclusion comes with no guarantees that he will leave Anfield before the end of the transfer window.
The club has no intention to push Gomez out of the club while he is making the decision.
Considering having Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and especially Jarrell Quansah who was selected to the starting IX by Slot, the potential competition in the defense grows, which is reasonable for Gomez’s thought to quit.
Gomez's Potential Transfer Destinations
Gomez also explored options during the summer. As Liverpool pursued Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, Gomez was also considering leaving for the opposite club which Liverpool had agreed as a powerful bargaining chip to get the scorer.
However, Newcastle paused the deal as it aimed to raise funds to satisfy the PL’s profit and sustainability rules.
But Gomez is still able to land in St. James Park if Newcastle can't materialize a deal for Marc Guehi. At the same time, Chelsea had expressed interest in having him in its rebuilt roster after crazily signing 11 players in the summer so far. Clubs like Aston Villa and Fulham also joined the race to get Gomez.
Liverpool's Response to Potential Departure
While Gomez’s status with the Reds now remains uncertain, Liverpool have to look for another defender with a preliminary purpose once Gomez confirms to leave.
No signing was still fine for facing the season until Gomez, a solid player that Liverpool had relied on last season, wanted to exit the campaign. Liverpool has to look for an equivalent replacement immediately otherwise the club should keep Gomez and promise a more stable position for him.
Gomez's Future Unclear
Joe Gomez's future at Liverpool remains uncertain after he was left out of their 20-man squad for their opening Premier League game at Ipswich Town. The versatile England international is fully fit but did not travel to Portman Road after being overlooked by new head coach Arne Slot.
Competition for Starting Position
Jarell Quansah was selected to partner captain Virgil van Dijk at centre-back with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson at full-back. With centre-back Ibrahima Konate, right-back Conor Bradley and left-back Kostas Tsimikas all named among the substitutes, Gomez finds himself out of favour at the start of the Slot era.
Newcastle United's Interest
The Athletic reported last month that the 27-year-old, who is the club’s longest serving player, was considering his options after coming close to leaving Liverpool for Newcastle United in late June. A £45million fee was agreed for Gomez with winger Anthony Gordon heading in the opposite direction for £75million, but Newcastle pulled the plug on those deals when they managed to raise funds by selling Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson to satisfy the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
Chelsea and Other Potential Suitors
Newcastle have since targeted Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi as an alternative defensive target but have so far failed to agree a fee for the England international, with a fourth bid rejected. Gomez has made 224 appearances for Liverpool since signing from Charlton Athletic for £6m in the summer of 2015.
Gomez's Impact at Liverpool
Gomez’s omission from the matchday squad against Ipswich has stoked questions about Arne Slot’s plans for him going forward. Gomez’s versatility proved valuable for Jurgen Klopp last season, but a delayed return from international duty seems to have hindered his progress under the new manager. Whispers regarding a potential move away from Anfield have only intensified this summer.
Gomez's Limited Playing Time
Limited game time during pre-season, including a mere 16-minute appearance against Sevilla, raised eyebrows. His omission from the squad for the season opener against Ipswich has further fueled speculation. The 27-year-old defender is currently exploring his “options before the transfer window closes,” according to Paul Joyce of The Times. Several clubs, including Fulham, Chelsea, Newcastle, and Aston Villa, are apparently interested in signing him.
Liverpool's Stance on Gomez's Future
Gomez and Liverpool have had talks, but Joyce makes it clear that “there is no guarantee” he will go before the transfer window closes. Liverpool are “not forcing” him out, Joyce said. However, considering the current centre-back and full-back pecking orders, Gomez will have to contend with intense competition for a starting position. Given this fact, it is understandable that the English defender is considering his options.
Liverpool's Need for Depth
Liverpool, though, will be wary of losing a player of Gomez’s experience and skill, particularly without a replacement lined up. The club is aware of the potential risk associated with squad depth, especially given the ever-present threat of injuries. Gomez’s situation remains fluid, promising to be a key storyline for Liverpool fans to monitor as the transfer deadline approaches.
