Journalist Confirms £30m Liverpool Star Could Stay This Summer Despite Reports | OneFootball

Joe Gomez’s Liverpool Future: Between Loyalty and Opportunity

As the summer transfer window heats up, speculation continues to swirl around the future of Joe Gomez. Despite a season of fluctuating involvement on the pitch, the versatile defender’s role behind the scenes and his enduring loyalty to Liverpool make his situation increasingly nuanced. While many believed Gomez would headline Liverpool’s outgoing list, the picture has shifted, thanks largely to Jarell Quansah’s impending departure to Bayer Leverkusen.

Credit must go to Lewis Steele, speaking to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, for delivering fresh insight into Gomez’s current mindset and the broader considerations at play in Arne Slot’s post-title squad.

Quansah Exit Alters Gomez Dynamics

“It was obvious that one of him or Quansah would leave this summer,” Steele explained. “Now that Quansah is definitely leaving [to join Bayer Leverkusen], it seems a little bit less likely that Gomez will leave as well, but I wouldn’t completely rule that out at this stage.”

That shift is pivotal. Slot, preparing for his first Champions League campaign as Liverpool boss after lifting the Premier League title in his debut season, will need experienced domestic cover across his backline. Gomez’s ability to play across all defensive positions and even as a makeshift holding midfielder makes him uniquely valuable.

Liverpool had reportedly placed a £30 million valuation on Gomez, anticipating bids from clubs such as Newcastle, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, West Ham, Leeds, Everton and Sunderland. Now, with Quansah’s exit reshaping the squad depth, the club’s stance may evolve from inviting offers to resisting them.

Hunger and Leadership Beyond Minutes Played

Gomez’s recent social media activity has offered fans a rare glimpse into his current mood. “His post [on Instagram] about still being hungry to keep going, suggests to me that he would like to stay,” noted Steele. Despite an inconsistent campaign, that hunger hasn’t gone unnoticed internally.

“He was very close to leaving last summer,” Steele added. “There was a lot of teams interested and he actually didn’t even make the squad for the opening game against Ipswich Town.”

Photo: IMAGO

Yet, even with minutes hard to come by, Gomez reportedly retained a key leadership presence in the dressing room. “It’s been a really frustrating year for him but he has still remained influential behind the scenes in terms of leadership.”

Slot, known for valuing character as highly as capability, may view Gomez’s personality and professionalism as vital attributes during a period of evolution for the club’s backline.

Decision Rests with the Player

Steele was candid in his summary: “I think the decision remains with him. Maybe he has reached that point of his career where he wants to go and challenge himself and play every week, but then again he loves Liverpool.”

That emotional pull should not be underestimated. Gomez has been part of the club since 2015, enduring injuries, rotations and even European glory. At 28, he now finds himself at a career crossroads, torn between familiarity and the opportunity to become a guaranteed starter elsewhere.

If he does stay, it would be a significant boost to Slot’s defensive depth and squad cohesion. If he goes, Liverpool would lose a quietly integral leader, not just a utility player.