Joe Gomez backed to leave Liverpool

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez could leave Anfield this summer in order to be a key player elsewhere, according to Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson.

The Lowdown: Gomez fourth-choice for Reds

The centre-back endured a frustrating 2021/22 season on a personal level, finding himself fourth-choice behind Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate.

It meant that Gomez started just four times in the Premier League overall, with only six appearances in all competitions coming in his preferred central role.

This has subsequently led to the 25-year-old being linked with a summer move away from Liverpool, with Aston Villa among those eyeing him up, while The Mirror reported last week that he is becoming frustrated with the sparsity of game-time he has received in recent months.

The Latest: Pundit talks up summer exit

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson claimed that Gomez could move on from Anfield this summer.

The former England goalkeeper said of the defender’s future:

“It all depends on how Gomez feels at the club. He will be very aware of the opportunities or lack of opportunities he has going into next season. You only have one career.

“Joe Gomez will be frustrated by the amount of game time he had last season. It is up to him and the type of person he is to see if he can continue that. He might seek a move elsewhere.

“We have already seen huge upheaval at Liverpool this year with Sadio Mane going. If Gomez was to go, I think they would have to replace him.

“It will all come down to the player. Jurgen Klopp will certainly not be looking to move him on. He’s a great player to have in your squad. He isn’t going to play every week though.”

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The Verdict: Need to keep him

While it would be wholly understandable if Gomez chooses to leave the Reds before next season – he may want to start regularly before the World Cup later this year – it would still be preferable for the club to keep hold of him for another while yet.

He remains a relatively young player and it looks as though serious injury problems haven’t affected him too much, meaning that he can still be a long-term figure at Anfield. Indeed, Jurgen Klopp has called him ‘sensational’ in the past, so the manager clearly realises the 25-year-old’s worth as a player.

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Granted, Gomez will find it hard to forge a regular starting role any time soon, given the brilliance of the other three centre-backs, but Van Dijk and Matip turn 31 this year and injuries could always present an opportunity to fringe players.

Also, you only have to go back to 2020/21 to see how a spate of injuries in defence can dramatically alter the course of Liverpool’s fortunes…