Arne Slot expects one of Liverpool’s defenders to go at the conclusion of the season, which may turn into two.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Joe Gomez may face less playing time if Liverpool signs a new center-back, subject to Arne Slot’s consent.
- Gomez’s role at Liverpool has shifted due to stiff competition from young players such as Jarell Quansah.
- Liverpool will include Arne Slot in transfer conversations to evaluate the future of players such as Joe Gomez.
Joe Gomez is a player who might be let go by Liverpool in the coming weeks if the Reds try to recruit a new centre-back – and Fabrizio Romano has exclusively told GIVEMESPORT that the England international will have to pass Arne Slot’s test if he wants to continue at Anfield in the future.
Gomez, who was described as ‘exceptional’ by the Reds manager, joined Liverpool at the start of the Jurgen Klopp era after rising through the ranks at Charlton Athletic, and while it took him some time to break into the starting lineup, the London-born star has certainly become a fixture on Merseyside, with over 240 appearances in the Premier League, Champions League, and more. But that might change if Slot decides to bring in another center-back, pushing Gomez lower down the pecking order.
Joe Gomez: Transfer News Latest
The Liverpool defender has been linked to an exit.
He’s a player who is rarely linked with a move away from Liverpool, but with Conor Bradley coming through the ranks at right-back, Gomez is no longer Trent Alexander-Arnold’s immediate backup, and with Jarell Quansah having a strong first season that has pushed him into England’s provisional 33-man squad for the European Championships, competition for Gomez appears to be tougher than ever.
As a result, the Anfield Watch reported in May that Gomez had asked the club to consider any offers for him, not necessarily pushing for a move, but rather being open to a new challenge where first-team football would be the norm for a player of his caliber, with Jurgen Klopp describing him as “exceptional” in March.
Aston Villa have been linked with a move for his services, but any deal appears unlikely given the talent they have at centre-back in Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, and Diego Carlos, among others – with Unai Emery preferring attacking full-backs such as Lucas Digne over defensive-minded stars like Gomez.
Romeo Romano: “Liverpool Want to Involve Arne Slot”
The Dutchman will run the rule over his excellent team.
Speaking exclusively to GIVEMESPORT, Romano stated that Gomez will be part of transfer conversations among Liverpool’s recruitment chiefs, with Slot also present for talks on his future. He said:
“So, I believe that for these types of players, it always depends on the opportunities they have on the market in terms of propositions.
“Then, on Arne Slot, Liverpool is eager to involve the manager in the transfer conversations they will have with every single player, including Joe Gomez.
“I think starting from this week they will have conversations with the coach, see what he wants to do with the players, and we will see from there.”
Liverpool’s center-back search
The Reds are looking for a new defender.
Liverpool have been linked with Portuguese duo Antonio Silva and Goncalo Inacio, while Frankfurt’s Willian Pacho has been strongly linked with a move to Merseyside, as has Chelsea starlet Levi Colwill, who missed out on a place in the England team due to injury, and Quansah’s form has tempted Gareth Southgate to include him in the squad.
Whoever Liverpool signs will be expected to replace Konate in the squad and partner Van Dijk, which could be a difficult task given the Frenchman’s ability to demonstrate his worth on multiple occasions; however, with Gomez potentially out of the picture, Liverpool may have to promote a young centre-back such as Sepp van den Berg.
