Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Joe Gomez makes painful decision as Liverpool ‘divorce’ edges closer to reality

Joe Gomez, Liverpool defender in action during Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid at Wanda Metropolitano

Liverpool are facing up to the likelihood of losing Joe Gomez this summer with the defender now reportedly looking to force his exit at Anfield.

Gomez has been linked with a move away from Anfield in recent weeks, having fallen down the pecking order. Indeed, he was first choice alongside Virgil van Dijk prior to a knee injury that wrecked his Euro 2020 dreams. However, since returning to action, he has fallen behind Joel Matip and summer signing Ibrahima Konate in the pecking order.

Subsequently, Gomez found himself the subject of January interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle.

The links to Villa are obvious given they are managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard. He made no secret of his wish to further strengthen his squad. And with a £100m kitty at his disposal this summer, a move for Gomez ticks plenty of boxes.

The 24-year-old is also wanted by Newcastle too. The cash-rich Magpies are on the hunt for proven Premier League quality as Eddie Howe looks to steer his side into the higher echelons of the English elite.

Gomez’s current contract runs until the summer of 2024. So a fee of £30million has been tipped for a transfer at the end of the season.

And with speculation mounting on his future, 90min claim Gomez has now reached a painful decision. They report that the 11-capped England star will now push to depart Anfield this summer.

They state Gomez is concerned no just for about his lack of minutes for Liverpool, having started just one Premier League game all season.

Furthermore, he’s also now fearful of his place in England’s World Cup squad. With the tournament due to start in November, Gomez needs a move to get himself back into Gareth Southgate’s thinking.

Klopp feels bad for his defender

Jurgen Klopp does not want to lose Gomez, however, but may be forced to accept the player’s wishes, with a ‘divorce’ now seemingly on the cards.

Furthermore, the Reds boss recently admitted to “feeling sorry” for the defender.

“It’s really unlucky for Joe,” Klopp said. “He has consistently played on an incredible level and has been one of the best centre-halves in England. But then the big injury came and little injuries on top of that.

Joe Gomez number 1 target for Gerrard at Aston Villa this summer

Joe Gomez number 1 target for Gerrard at Aston Villa this summer

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez is Steven Gerrard’s number 1 target for Aston Villa this summer

“The only thing I can say as well, there are tougher things than being a squad player at the moment for Liverpool.

“It is never nice for the players, I understand that 100 per cent, but Joe takes it really professionally. He is a young lad and everything will be fine in the future but at the moment, it’s for sure harder.”

Liverpool advised to cash in on Joe Gomez

Pundit Paddy Kenny, meanwhile, claims the time is right for Liverpool to cash in on Joe Gomez.

He told Football Insider: “It’s a tough one for Liverpool, he’s still a young player.

“The thing is he’s only played 12 Premier League games across the last two seasons. It’s alright keeping him and having him as back up but does he not want to go out and play football?

“They could get a good fee for him so that’s one side of it but as a player, I would want to be out there playing.

“If he wants to get back in that England squad he needs football and Liverpool should let him go.

“Then they can put that money back into the squad with a few big transfers.”

READ MORERio Ferdinand picks out only two transfer blunders Michael Edwards has made at Liverpool