Today has brought perhaps the least likely Liverpool transfer rumour of the year so far.
Riddled with defensive issues and injuries, Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly named Joe Gomez on their shortlist for January.
At any other point over the past two years or so, perhaps that would have felt like a possible enough link. Gomez has often been on the periphery at Liverpool and could still fetch a decent sum.
But right now, the 26-year-old is legitimately one of Jurgen Klopp’s most important players. He absolutely cannot be allowed to leave mid-season.
The reason for this turnaround for Gomez is two-fold, really. Firstly, he’s playing really well. And you have to give him immense credit for that. Following a poor 2022/23, Gomez’s form has been terrific so far this season. Whenever called upon the England international has been genuinely excellent.
The second reason is that if Joe were to be sold, Liverpool would lose an option for three different positions. Already stretched in all of right-back, centre-back and left-back, they can’t afford for that to happen.
Liverpool mustn’t let Gomez leave
In fairness, there is so far no suggestion at all that Liverpool will be open to hearing Tottenham’s interest out.
Klopp has always publicly backed Gomez and with his No.2 now in his best form for years, it’s unlikely that the manager would be keen to move him on.
And that’s just as well. Only today, former Reds winger Steve McManaman outlined exactly what Gomez brings to Liverpool.
Calling the former Charlton youngster an ‘underrated superstar,‘ McManaman rightly points out that finding a player who can capably play three or four positions is ‘priceless.’ There aren’t many of them about. Gomez is one of them.

Further to his excellent versatility, it’s also worth pointing out that Gomez still has his best years ahead of him.
It can be easy to forget seeing as he arrived at Anfield at such a young age, but Joe is still just 26. Having stayed fit for the majority of the past 18 months, he’s now starting to show his true potential.
If Gomez can avoid injury and keep playing for the rest of the season, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him knocking on the door for the England squad. You don’t sell a player like that, especially not to a rival.
All in all, we think we can safely discount the possibility of Gomez leaving Liverpool for Spurs, or anyone else. But if the Reds do somehow decide that the defender’s time is up, you know someone at Anfield has well and truly lost their marbles.
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