Joe Gomez is considering his options ahead of a move away from Liverpool this summer, a decision that would be disappointing but logical.
When Liverpool revealed their first squad for the Arnold era, Gomez’s absence came as a huge shock, with the No.2 not even making the bench at Wexwich.
It was soon revealed that this had been done after “adult discussions” about the club and his future. that timesPaul Joyce has claimed his exclusion was amicable after interest from Newcastle, Aston Villa, Fulham and Chelsea.
Clubs outside England are also being linked with the move, with Gomez one of several players linked with the Saudi Professional League since it was expanded.
With the transfer window closing at 11pm on August 30, Liverpool are set to be even busier with several other sales and loans already expected to be made.
Slot has dismissed speculation that Luis Diaz is leaving the club, but the prospect of losing Gomez now looks very real and understandably disappointing.
disappointing reality
Of course, Liverpool have already held talks to sell their longest-serving player this summer, with a £45m move to Newcastle falling through and a £75m deal agreed for Anthony Gordon.
However, the player himself appears to have drawn the line, looking forward to his 10th season as a member of the Reds first team.
Gomez now looks set to leave Merseyside, meaning one of the club’s most versatile players will be out of the picture.
Last season was the 27-year-old’s most prolific appearance campaign, with 51 of Jurgen Klopp’s final 58 appearances, trailing only Virgil van Dijk, Dias and Alexis McAllister in more appearances.
He played in a variety of roles, appearing 25 times as right-back, 19 times as left-back, five times as centre-back and twice as a defensive midfielder.
Losing a player who can play as a number six, let alone a back four, and perform that role at the level required of a club competing in four divisions, would undoubtedly be a huge blow.
Gomez’s popularity with the players and fans grew even more. He is an intelligent and humble man who joined the club at the age of 18, at the end of Brendan Rodgers’ tenure, and became a mentor to Klopp.
Faced with the prospect of losing Gomez amid uncertainty over the contract situations of Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and especially Trent Alexander-Arnold, it becomes a reminder that very little is permanent in football.
Even if he did not start in the 2-0 win at Portman Road on Saturday, there is a very good chance a replacement will be needed if he leaves.
There is more young talent at full-back, with Luke Chambers and Calvin Ramsey out on loan at Wigan, while Owen Beck and Callum Scanlon are also expected to leave before August 30.
Sepp van den Berg might be the most likely candidate to replace Gomez, but the Dutchman does not have the experience or flexibility to immediately fill the void left by Gomez.
With reports suggesting Gomez is considering a move, Slots would be happy to keep the player with his squad should he decide to stay.
But if not, Liverpool will be forced to make a late move in the transfer market, although any dip in the odds should be taken with a grain of salt, with Jared Branthwaite set to pass through Stanley Park in the next 12 days.
It would be very disappointing for Liverpool to sell Gomez for both emotional and calculated reasons.
But it’s a move that makes sense for the player himself, and that should be taken into account given his nine-year career.
Why Gomez Wants to Leave
One of the late arrivals to the slot’s first pre-season, Gomez sat on the bench all summer while representing England at the Euros, one of three outfield players not to play a single minute for Gareth Southgate’s side.
He then returned to face Jarel Quansa, who has established himself as a strong candidate to start alongside Van Dijk, and the new manager admitted there was a “close call” between Quansa and Ibrahima Konate before kick-off at Ipswich.
Gomez, who has not played a single game for England at the European Championships, played just 16 minutes in his only appearance in pre-season, coming on as a second-half substitute in the 4-1 win over Sevilla at Anfield.
Konate started the match behind closed doors against Las Palmas a few hours later, pairing with Nat Phillips, with 17-year-old Amara Nalo coming on as a substitute.
Gomez’s inclusion in the more high-profile game may have been a gesture to show his standing in the slot, but the lack of consideration for him to get more playing time may have certainly raised concerns about his role.
The same thing would almost certainly have happened to him, with long-time friend Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa and tournament success story Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace giving him a chance at the Euros.
And with Guehi set to join the race for a central defender in the final weeks of this transfer window, there could be an opportunity for Gomez.
Transfer Carousel
For example, if Newcastle are unable to sign Guehi, having already had four bids rejected, they could potentially offer Gomez a regular starting spot as a central defender.
Villa, who will also be playing in the Champions League this season, are also known to be interested in Diego Carlos, with Fulham and a Saudi Arabian club also said to be interested.
Fulham’s signing of Carlos as a replacement for Tosin Adarabioyo could prompt Villa to sign Gomez, or they could prioritise a move for the Liverpool defender himself.
Palace cannot be left out of the equation either. If Gehi does eventually move to St James’ Park, they will urgently need a proven, top-class replacement.
There are a lot of moving parts to acknowledge, and Gomez’s desire to leave Liverpool could be one of the most crucial.
If he were to leave Anfield, he would do so with the blessings of all concerned. Despite the obvious impact he would have on the squad, he may have to opt for a move at the age of 27 to revive his playing career.
