Joe Gomez’s future at Liverpool is in question after he was left out of Arne Slot’s squad for the season opener against Ipswich Town. This exclusion has fueled speculation about whether the England international will remain with Liverpool as the season unfolds.
Gomez has been a key figure in Liverpool’s defense, known for his versatility and ability to adapt to different defensive roles. His absence from such an important match raises concerns, especially since he has been linked to a potential move to Eddie Howe’s Newcastle. With the transfer window closing on August 30, the likelihood of Gomez transferring seems to be increasing, leaving Liverpool supporters wondering if his time at Anfield is coming to an end.
James Pearce of The Athletic has contributed to the speculation by stating that Gomez’s future at Liverpool is now “increasingly uncertain.” This has intensified concerns about his potential exit, particularly as Liverpool has not yet made any major signings this summer. While there are reports of ongoing negotiations for Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili, Liverpool has not addressed its defensive needs significantly, which complicates the situation further.
Losing Gomez could have significant implications for Liverpool’s defense. With Joel Matip having already left as a free agent, there is a void in the squad that remains unfilled. Gomez’s departure would not only reduce the depth of Liverpool’s defense but also remove a player with valuable experience and high-level performance capabilities, raising questions about the long-term stability of the team’s defense.
Liverpool does have defensive options with Virgil van Dijk, Jarell Quansah, Ibrahima Konate, and Sepp van den Berg. However, it is uncertain whether these players can fully replace Gomez’s contributions. While Quansah and van den Berg show promise, they lack the experience and versatility that Gomez provides. If Nat Phillips is sold, as rumored, the defense would be further stretched, increasing the risks of letting Gomez go.
Allowing Gomez to leave without a suitable replacement could be risky for Liverpool. Weakening a defense that has already seen significant departures would be a bold and potentially reckless move. A surprise acquisition might be possible, but it would be unwise to let Gomez go without a clear strategy to strengthen the defense.