Liverpool could move for a defender if Joe Gomez leaves – with the England international open for a new challenge after a Newcastle transfer collapsed
- Gomez was involved in negotiations over a deal for Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon
- A medical was scheduled, while Gomez was happy with the chance of a regular football career
- A deal fell through when Newcastle sold Yankuba Minteh before the PSR deadline
Liverpool could be forced to sign a new defender if Joe Gomez leaves this summer.
The England international saw a potential £45million move to Newcastle United fall through last month as part of negotiations over the deal for Anthony Gordon and is open to a new challenge in his quest for a regular first-team place.
Despite the departure of Joel Matip, the emergence of another Newcastle target Jarell Quansah and the development of Sepp van den Berg on loan at Mainz, manager Arne Slot still has some options, but Gomez’s versatility and consistency have been crucial for Liverpool in recent seasons.
Liverpool were active in their pursuit of Leny Yoro, but this was more because he was seen as a generational talent and a ‘one-off deal’ on the market than because he was necessarily a centre-back recruit. They had expected him to join Real Madrid, but they stepped back when Manchester United’s involvement pushed the price up to over £45m for the 18-year-old prospect.
Clubs such as PSV Eindhoven, Wolfsburg, Hoffenheim and Mainz have also received several offers and requests for Van den Berg, but so far no one has come close to the £20 million he is worth. The Dutchman is keen to claim a place in the first team under compatriot Slot.
Liverpool’s Joe Gomez is open to a new challenge after seeing his move to Newcastle fall through
Gomez was involved in negotiations between Newcastle and Liverpool over Anthony Gordon, right
Liverpool manager Arne Slot could be forced to look for a defender if Gomez leaves
Liverpool have focused on other areas of recruitment, but the loss of Gomez could see some defensive options, currently relegated to the background, come to the fore.
Newcastle’s pursuit of Gomez began after they approached Liverpool in early June asking whether the Anfield club would be interested in purchasing Anthony Gordon or Alexander Isak for PSR purposes.
The initial £100million price tag was rejected by Liverpool and then, as Mail Sport exclusively revealed, Newcastle enquired about Quansah. That request was rejected, but Newcastle subsequently proposed a price of around £80million for Gordon.
That proposal was also rejected, but as Amanda Staveley and the Newcastle owners pushed for PSR solutions, sources at Mail Sport revealed that chief executive Darren Eales returned with a proposal to buy Gomez for £45m and sell Gordon to Liverpool for £75m.
The talks were promising and a medical examination was planned in Leipzig for the players who participated with England in the European Championship in Germany.
His England team-mates noted that Gordon was reeling at the prospect of a return to Merseyside, while Gomez was delighted at the chance to play regularly for the first team in his favoured position of right-back, where he had played during Liverpool’s title-winning season.
However, at the last minute, as the deadline for the PSR of 30 June approached, Newcastle found another solution by selling Yankuba Minteh to Brighton and Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest. The deal between Gordon and Gomez was called off.
Liverpool were actively pursuing Leny Yoro as he was seen as a generational talent, but pulled out after Man United’s involvement pushed the price above £45m
Gomez has attracted interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and could become an option for European teams
Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi are players Liverpool have been looking at
Gomez has also attracted interest from Saudi Arabia, while at 27 he remains an experienced and seasoned option for Champions League teams still building their squads.
With the transfer window still five weeks away, questions are being raised about Liverpool’s lack of transfer activity. However, Slot has been assured that he recognises that hard work is being done behind the scenes to deliver the right quality where needed.
It also means Liverpool are prepared for surprises if a suitable offer for players like Gomez comes along in the closing stages.
Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi are players that Liverpool have looked at, for example, but no transfers are planned for now.