Liverpool transfer shock: Joe Gomez open to exit this summer

Sam McGuire

Updated: 2 May 2024 07:33 BST
2 min read

Liverpool's planned defensive rebuild this summer might have just become a little more complicated.

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Joel Matip is set to depart this summer after eight seasons with the Reds when his contract comes to an end. As a result, a centre-back was no doubt already on the agenda for incoming sporting director Richard Hughes.

However, more defensive reinforcements could now be needed. Anfield Watch, in conjunction with FootballTransfers, understands Joe Gomez is open to a fresh challenge and while he isn't looking to force a move, the 26-year-old has made it known that he would like the club to listen to any reasonable offers.

Current ETV

Joe Gomez

D (CR)

Liverpool

Joe Gomez

D (CR)

Liverpool

ETV Range

€18.8M - €31.4M

A return to London is preferred if he is to leave Liverpool this summer and a departure will likely come as a blow to new head coach Arne Slot as well as to the squad as a whole.

Gomez has made 16 starts in the Premier League this term, the most he’s made in the English top-flight since the 2019/20 title-winning campaign.

The versatile defender has impressed in multiple positions for Jurgen Klopp's side this season, turning out for the Reds at centre-back, right-back, left-back and even defensive midfield.

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Who could replace Gomez?

While in Rotterdam, Slot helped develop Feyenoord skipper Lutsharel Geertruida into a Swiss army knife for the 2022/23 Eredivisie champions. The Gomez news could be why the 23-year-old Dutchman is reportedly on Liverpool's radar.

Fenerbahce’s Dutch-born left-back Ferdi Kadioglu has also been linked with a move to Merseyside and he could also fulfil a utility role in the squad having played right-back, winger and midfield throughout his career.

Though contracted to the Merseyside club until 2027, it is believed the club wouldn't price the England international Gomez out of a move and he could go for a fee not far off his Expected Transfer Valuation of £22 million.

Gomez is the sole survivor of the team Jurgen Klopp inherited when he became Liverpool manager back in 2015, with James Milner and Jordan Henderson both having left last summer.

Willian Pacho of Eintracht Frankfurt and Goncalo Inacio of Sporting CP are other central defenders who have been linked with a move to the Reds this summer.