Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has reportedly been left ‘frustrated’ by his lack of playing time in his favoured position last season and could well leave the club this summer, before giving new boss Arne Slot a chance.
Gomez was hailed for his versatility by Jurgen Klopp on several occasions last season, stepping in during an injury crisis to play at left-back and at the base of midfield, earning him a spot in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.
And although such performances put Gomez in the spotlight and allowed him to showcase his abilities as a regular starter in the Premier League, the 27-year-old saw an opportunity where he could play in a role that he feels most comfortable in - at the heart of defence.
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The Athletic claim that Liverpool were in very advanced discussions with Newcastle over sending Gomez to Newcastle for £45million, with Anthony Gordon to head in the opposite direction for £75m.
They would have been two separate deals as the Magpies looked to ease financial concerns regarding the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations. However, after selling Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh, Newcastle felt they could now comply with the rules and did not need to lose Gordon.
The proposed transfers collapsed at the 11th hour after Gomez had given the green light to head to St James’ Park, where he had been promised regular minutes at centre-back following long-term injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles.
Gomez is due back at Liverpool next week after he was given an extended break due to his England excursions, faced with a dilemma over whether to fight once again under a new head coach or seek the opportunity to play elsewhere.
Slot has Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah as options in the same role, three defenders who were seen as higher up in the pecking order at centre-back than Gomez under the previous regime.
That left the former Charlton man frustrated at times and he will consider his options this summer, knowing that the club were willing to part ways with him in order to land his international colleague Gordon.
Gomez has put in his time as a role player for several years, ready to pitch in when required, and received accolades to boot as a Premier League and Champions League winner.
But with Liverpool turning over a new chapter with Slot at the helm, it has not been ruled out that Gomez could do the same.
The Reds may even see Gomez’s potential sale as a welcome boost to their finances if they can get the £45m that Newcastle were previously offering, as they search for Slot’s first signing of the summer, parting ways could yet be mutually beneficial.
