
Anfield Index
·30 August 2025
Journalist: Liverpool Reject Loan Deal For Long Term Defender

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·30 August 2025
According to Sami Mokbel’s report for the BBC, Liverpool have made it clear that Joe Gomez will not be leaving Anfield this summer, despite Crystal Palace showing interest in a loan deal. Mokbel noted that “Liverpool would reject any formal offer from Crystal Palace to take Joe Gomez on loan as a sweetener in the Merseysiders’ move for Eagles captain Marc Guehi.”
Palace are believed to have explored this option as part of their attempts to unlock Guehi’s future, with discussions indicating that “Palace would give serious consideration to accepting in the region of £30m with Gomez heading to London on loan.” However, Liverpool sources insist no such loan will be considered.
Marc Guehi has just one year left on his deal, and while Palace manager Oliver Glasner is determined to keep him, the player himself has rejected the chance to extend. Glasner admitted, “It is not possible to find a Marc Guehi replacement who can play straight in the Premier League as a starter.”
Photo: IMAGO
Palace’s reluctance to lose him for free means a sale looks increasingly likely, though they first need reinforcements. Reports suggest targets include Toulouse youngster Jaydee Canvot, Roma’s Evan Ndicka, and Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji. Their main ambition, however, remains Sporting’s Ousmane Diomande, though financial constraints complicate that pursuit.
With 242 Liverpool appearances to his name, Joe Gomez is viewed as an invaluable squad option. His versatility across the backline, coupled with his experience, makes him too important to be included as a bargaining chip. Jurgen Klopp and his staff appear determined to keep the England international as Liverpool push for squad stability ahead of a long campaign.
Having already lost Eberechi Eze to Arsenal in a £60m deal, Palace face another defining decision. Selling their captain could weaken the squad, but financial reality and Guehi’s contract situation may force their hand. Liverpool, meanwhile, are unlikely to ease that process by sacrificing one of their most trusted defenders.
From a Liverpool perspective, the stance on Gomez is both logical and necessary. Fans know that while Gomez is not always first-choice, he remains a reliable option who has stepped up during injury crises in past seasons. His adaptability – being able to slot in at full-back or centre-back – is exactly the type of depth Liverpool need if they are to compete across multiple fronts this year.
Supporters will also be aware that losing him, even temporarily, would have knock-on effects. With Virgil van Dijk not getting younger, Ibrahima Konaté’s fitness record patchy, and Leoni still developing, Gomez’s presence is a safety net. Loaning him out would leave the backline vulnerable, especially if Liverpool face fixture congestion after Christmas.
Regarding Guehi, most Liverpool fans recognise his quality. At 25, with Premier League and international experience, he fits the profile of a smart long-term signing. However, Palace’s demands – whether £30m plus a loan or last year’s £65m rejection – highlight how complex this transfer could become.
Ultimately, Liverpool supporters are likely to welcome any move for Guehi, but not at the expense of squad stability. The rejection of Palace’s Gomez proposal feels like the right decision, reinforcing the idea that Liverpool intend to add quality without weakening their current core.