Liverpool ‘don’t want to sell’ Joe Gomez, as the centre-back approaches the last two years of his contract.
That’s according to a report in The Athletic this morning. The report claims that the Reds centre-back for his part doesn’t want to leave the club either.
Gomez has been used sparingly by Jurgen Klopp this season. His start on Saturday against Norwich City was his first in the Premier League for a remarkable 468 days.
But The Athletic claim that, despite his lack of playing time, Klopp rates him highly.
The manager has previously spoken about the England international being a ‘sensational player’ during Liverpool’s title winning season via liverpoolfc.com.
Now, Klopp is said to ‘marvel’ at Gomez’s attitude during training. The 24-year-old, who is claimed to ‘love playing for Liverpool’ as per the report, has impressed the manager with his positive reaction during training sessions.
It all sounds like good news. But Liverpool do have a decision to make.
With two years left on Gomez’s contract, now is the time to start preparing to extend. If his lack of game-time continues for the rest of the season, it may be best to look to secure the biggest transfer fee they can this summer.
The Athletic claim that Aston Villa and Newcastle United would likely be at the ‘front of the queue’ should Liverpool’s stance on Gomez change.
A delicate situation
Where Gomez’s Liverpool story goes from here is difficult to predict.
On one hand he is an excellent player who, still just 24, has his best years in front of him. He has been brilliant for Klopp in the past and there’s hope that he could return to that kind of form.
On the other hand, he isn’t playing nearly enough.
Although Klopp is reportedly delighted with his attitude and performance during training, that isn’t reflected in his team selections.
Assessing the market
Liverpool notoriously spend what they earn in the transfer market.
From that point of view, and with his contract situation soon to become more perilous, he is one of Liverpool’s most saleable assets.
The Reds haven’t sold any of their best players since Philippe Coutinho left the club in January 2018.
Gomez wouldn’t fetch anywhere near the kind of fee Coutinho did. But given his age, experience and quality, he would still leave Liverpool with a huge profit from the £3.5m they spent to bring him from Charlton Athletic in 2015.
However, should he be sold, Liverpool would need a replacement. Finding a player as good as Gomez would surely cost something like the £35m The Reds spent on Ibrahima Konate.
Plenty to ponder for Liverpool and Gomez this summer.
For now though, Joe will be hoping that his start on Saturday proves to be the first of many for the rest of the season.
If he can remind Klopp why he was the first choice partner for Virgil Van Dijk for most of Liverpool’s title-winning campaign, his long-term future will surely be settled.
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