Aston Villa are preparing to go ahead with a bid to land Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez.
That’s according to the Daily Star (30/06, page 44), who claim that Villa are ready to push forward with their interest.
It’s claimed that Gomez is Villa’s ‘number one target’ for the rest of the transfer window.
The 25-year-old was claimed to be of interest to Steven Gerrard in yesterday’s Mirror. Now, Gerrard and co are said to be ‘pressing ahead’ with their plan to land the Liverpool man.
Gomez future not settled yet
This one looks like it could have some legs in it yet. Gomez was played sparingly by Jurgen Klopp throughout 2021/22 and is said to want more game-time ahead of this year’s World Cup.
Despite his lack of minutes, there have been seemingly credible suggestions that a new contract could actually be on the cards. Klopp clearly likes his player, calling him ‘outstanding’ via BBC Sport after Liverpool beat Watford in April.
That would seem at odds with both Gomez’s desire to leave, and his place in Klopp’s pecking order, though.
It would make a lot of sense to secure Gomez’s future with two years left on his deal. But equally, if Villa are willing to offer decent money for him, Liverpool shouldn’t stand in his way.
Unless Klopp can guarantee him more playing time next season, then it would seem unfair to keep him around. Both Ibrahima Konate and Joel Matip appear to be firmly ahead of him. Liverpool also continue to be somewhat implausibly linked to Matthijs de Ligt.
Should Liverpool decide to let Villa take a run at Gomez, he would certainly need replacing. The Reds have the likes of Rhys Williams, Nat Phillips and the burgeoning Jarell Quansah in the ranks, but all are a few steps down from the England man.
If Villa can test Liverpool’s resolve with a bid of around £30m, perhaps it’ll be enough to tempt a sale.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
