Everton and West Ham in the Hunt for Liverpool’s Joe Gomez as Reds Reshape Squad
Premier League champions Liverpool are wasting no time in reshaping their squad for the upcoming season, even after a successful campaign that saw them finish ahead of Arsenal in a relatively straightforward title race. While their first-choice centre-backs—Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté—formed a solid defensive pairing for much of the season, their heavy involvement has highlighted a lack of depth in the position. As a result, the club may look to bring in fresh talent at the back.
Amid this defensive overhaul, long-serving defender Joe Gomez could be on his way out of Anfield. According to Empire of the Kop, the 28-year-old has not been a key part of Arne Slot’s plans and may be available for transfer this summer. Although Gomez has not formally requested a move, Liverpool are reportedly open to letting him go should he express the desire to seek a new challenge.
Gomez, who boasts an impressive CV with two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy under his belt, remains a respected figure within English football. His availability has already piqued the interest of domestic rivals, with both Everton and West Ham United reportedly considering a move for the defender. A transfer fee in the region of £25 million has been suggested, which could be seen as a bargain given Gomez’s experience and versatility.
West Ham May Have the Edge in Transfer Battle
Of the two interested parties, West Ham appear better positioned to secure Gomez’s signature. The fierce Merseyside rivalry between Liverpool and Everton could complicate any move across Stanley Park, with questions around player loyalty and fan sentiment likely to play a role. Moreover, Everton’s current centre-back options, including Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitaliy Mykolenko, may limit the amount of game time Gomez would realistically receive at Goodison Park.
By contrast, West Ham could offer Gomez both a fresh start and a more prominent role in their defensive setup. Despite recent investments in centre-backs such as Max Kilman and Konstantinos Mavropanos, neither player has consistently delivered the level of performance the club hoped for. With new manager Graham Potter expected to receive substantial backing in the summer transfer market, bringing in an experienced and Premier League-proven defender like Gomez would be a logical move.
Potter, known for his emphasis on structure and discipline, could find in Gomez a player who not only understands the pace and demands of top-flight football but also brings leadership and composure to the backline. For £25 million, the Hammers would be acquiring a seasoned professional who still has several peak years ahead of him.
While negotiations and formal offers have yet to take center stage, this developing transfer story could gain momentum in the coming weeks. Gomez’s next move may well depend on which club can offer him a combination of consistent playing time, a clear vision for the future, and the right environment to rediscover his best form.
As Liverpool plan for the future, Gomez’s departure could open the door to new arrivals and tactical shifts under Slot’s regime. Whether he ends up at London Stadium or elsewhere, Joe Gomez is likely to be one of the more sought-after defenders in this summer’s transfer window.