Liverpool opened the new season with a 2-0 win against Ipswich Town, yet there was drama before the game even started revolving around Joe Gomez.
Gomez was left out of Liverpool’s squad to face the newly-promoted Premier League side with the 27-year-old defender pushing to leave the Reds after a summer of immense uncertainty for the England international.
Newcastle United were close to signing Gomez in a £45m deal that even saw the Magpies book a medical for the defender, yet a deal ultimately collapsed as Eddie Howe’s side pulled the plug on the transfer.
And Arne Slot seemingly now has his own stance on whether or not he wants to sell Gomez this summer.
Slot keen for Gomez to stay and fight for his Liverpool spot
According to the Liverpool Echo, the Reds are not looking to actively sell the former Charlton Athletic defender and will leave the decision to Gomez, with Slot happy for the England international to fight his way back into contention in the starting XI.
Gomez made 51 appearances across all competitions last season as the defender proved his worth by filling in for Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, as well as playing almost 20 games at left-back.
Yet with Slot seemingly looking at other options despite Gomez’s impressive performances last season that won the 27-year-old a spot in England’s Euro 2024 squad, there’s good reason why the defender is seemingly seeking a move away from Anfield.
Indeed, Gomez can be forgiven for wanting a move having shown last season he can be a top performer in the Premier League for a good side, and Liverpool might be tempted to sell if another good offer comes in for the defender.
Big offer for Gomez could convince Liverpool to sell this summer
Liverpool find themselves in a tough position with Gomez, with the defender showing last season why he should remain part of Slot’s plans and could become of use later in the year if a big injury was to come up in the defence.
However, a big offer from a Premier League club with Liverpool in the market for new signings could be tempting for the Reds, who might be willing to bite the bullet and allow the England international to leave for good money in the final weeks of the window.
Gomez has been a brilliant servant for Liverpool and his actions this week suggest that a move could be best for his career, and the Anfield side might have to allow the defender to leave if something good comes in from a Premier League team.
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