Crystal Palace and Leeds United in the Race to Sign £30m Liverpool Star – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool Assess Joe Gomez Situation Amid Crystal Palace and Leeds United Interes

As reported by TBR Football, Liverpool are currently evaluating Joe Gomez’s future at the club following strong interest from several Premier League sides including Crystal Palace, Leeds United and West Ham. The 28-year-old England international, while no longer a guaranteed starter, remains a key squad member due to his versatility and professionalism.

TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey reports, “Liverpool are happy for Gomez to stay, but if the 28-year-old wants to leave, it is a possibility that the club will not stand in his way.”

This sentiment reveals a pragmatic but respectful stance from the Reds. Gomez has been with the club since 2015 and played an integral role during their Champions League and Premier League-winning campaigns. However, long-term injuries have seen him slip down the pecking order in recent seasons.

Despite the links, Bailey adds, “Gomez is happy at Anfield and has not asked to leave the club despite his limited game time.” That’s a clear indication that any departure would have to be driven by the player himself, not the club.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot Faces Defensive Jigsaw Ahead of New Campaign

With Arne Slot preparing for his second season in charge following a Premier League title-winning debut, defensive stability will be paramount. And yet, question marks hang over multiple members of the current backline.

Virgil van Dijk may have signed a new contract, but uncertainty remains around Ibrahima Konaté. Reports indicate that Real Madrid are circling, possibly targeting a free transfer by encouraging Konaté to let his contract wind down.

TBR Football adds that “Konate is demanding big money from Liverpool in order to sign a new deal,” which may indicate he is looking to either maximise his current value or force a move away.

Simultaneously, promising young centre-back Jarell Quansah has attracted interest from Tottenham and Bayer Leverkusen. With the club reportedly open to selling him for over £40 million, Liverpool risk losing both youth and depth in one window.

Defensive Depth Becoming a Priority

The possible departure of Gomez, paired with the interest in Quansah and contract tension with Konaté, puts Liverpool’s defensive strategy under pressure. Slot will almost certainly be looking to bring in reinforcements should any of these players leave.

Even with van Dijk’s renewal, relying heavily on a 33-year-old to anchor a potentially inexperienced or reshuffled defence could expose Liverpool next season. Gomez’s ability to play both centrally and at full-back offers invaluable cover across the backline, which is why his role—even as a squad player—remains important.

What Clubs Like Palace and Leeds Could Offer Gomez

Crystal Palace and Leeds United represent intriguing options for Gomez should he choose to leave. Palace could offer him a more regular starting role in a well-drilled defensive setup, while Leeds, now back in the Premier League, may give him the opportunity to be a leader in a relatively young squad.

However, unless Gomez actively pushes for a move, Liverpool appear willing to retain his services. His experience, leadership and club loyalty are rare qualities that may be hard to replace at the current market value.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Liverpool supporter, it’s a tough pill to swallow even thinking about losing Joe Gomez. He’s never been the headline act, but his dedication to the badge and his quiet resilience have earned him a place in our hearts. Every title-winning side needs a Joe Gomez—someone who steps in, does the job, and asks for nothing in return.

Slot has just led us to the title in his debut season, and it’s clear he knows what he’s doing. But letting go of too many defenders too quickly, especially ones like Gomez and possibly Quansah, feels risky. The whispers around Konaté don’t help either. If he’s looking to engineer a Madrid move, then the club has to prepare fast.

Joe isn’t just a squad player—he’s part of the club’s culture. If he stays and accepts that role, then brilliant. But if we let him go without a top-tier replacement lined up, we may regret it come February when the fixture list is unforgiving and injuries strike.

We need leaders on and off the pitch, and Gomez is exactly that. Losing him while also juggling other defensive uncertainties could destabilise what should be a period of consolidation under Slot. We trust the process—but we also know the importance of having players who live and breathe Liverpool. Gomez is one of them.