Crystal Palace and Leeds United in the Race to Sign £30m Liverpool Star – Report
Liverpool Weigh Joe Gomez Future Amid Crystal Palace, Leeds, and West Ham Interest
Liverpool Football Club are reportedly taking a closer look at Joe Gomez’s position within the squad as growing interest from Premier League rivals begins to build momentum. According to TBR Football, clubs including Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and West Ham have all registered a strong interest in the 28-year-old defender, sparking fresh debate about whether this summer could mark the end of Gomez’s nine-year stint at Anfield.
Gomez, once considered one of England’s most promising young defenders, has been a loyal servant to the Reds since joining from Charlton Athletic in 2015. His versatility—capable of playing as a centre-back, right-back, or even on the left—has made him a valuable asset across multiple managerial regimes, most notably under Jurgen Klopp. However, injuries and increased competition for places have gradually seen him shift from regular starter to rotational option.
Club Open to Talks—But Decision Lies With Player
Graeme Bailey of TBR Football reports that Liverpool are not actively pushing Gomez out, but they are prepared to allow him to leave if he decides he wants a new challenge. “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,” Bailey stated. The club’s position appears to reflect a mutual respect between both parties—Gomez is a valued team member, but they won’t block a potential move should he express the desire.
Despite being linked with a summer exit, Gomez has reportedly not requested a transfer and remains content at Anfield for now. This suggests any potential move would need to be player-driven rather than a decision imposed by the club.
Slot Faces a Defensive Balancing Act
New Liverpool manager Arne Slot, preparing for his second campaign in charge after a sensational debut season that saw the Reds reclaim the Premier League title, finds himself managing a delicate situation within his defensive ranks. While Virgil van Dijk has committed his future to the club by signing a new contract, several other defenders are under a cloud of uncertainty.
Most notably, Ibrahima Konaté has attracted attention from Real Madrid. Reports suggest the Spanish giants are monitoring the French international closely, potentially eyeing a long-term swoop. Complicating matters, Konaté is said to be demanding a lucrative new deal to remain at Liverpool, which may point toward contract leverage or growing interest in exploring options elsewhere.
Adding to the puzzle is the future of 21-year-old centre-back Jarell Quansah. After an impressive breakthrough campaign, the young Englishman is reportedly being targeted by clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen. Liverpool are believed to be open to selling him for a fee north of £40 million, which could help fund reinforcements but would also significantly reduce the squad’s youthful depth.
Liverpool’s Defensive Depth Under Strain
With Gomez’s future unresolved, Konaté’s contract standoff ongoing, and Quansah possibly heading for the exit, Arne Slot faces the very real prospect of being short-handed at the back. While van Dijk’s presence offers leadership and experience, relying too heavily on the 33-year-old to anchor a potentially transitional backline may not be sustainable across a grueling season that includes Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cup commitments.
Joe Gomez’s utility becomes increasingly critical in this context. His ability to cover multiple positions means he brings more value than statistics or starts may suggest. Even if not first-choice, having someone of Gomez’s profile on the bench ensures reliability and stability during times of injury or fixture congestion.
Why Palace, Leeds, and West Ham are Circling
Should Gomez become available, there will be no shortage of suitors. Crystal Palace, under Oliver Glasner, are crafting a well-balanced and tactically disciplined side, and Gomez could easily slot in as a regular starter. He would bring experience and adaptability to a defence that is already strong but lacks depth in some areas.
Leeds United, freshly promoted back to the Premier League, could offer Gomez the chance to take on a leadership role within a younger, hungrier team. His Premier League and Champions League experience would be invaluable as Leeds aim to avoid another immediate drop.
West Ham’s interest also makes sense, especially as the Hammers continue to evolve their squad following David Moyes’ departure. A player like Gomez, with his technical ability, defensive awareness, and composure, would fit into a team that often balances continental competition with domestic ambition.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, even the thought of Joe Gomez leaving the club is bittersweet. While he may no longer be a nailed-on starter, Gomez epitomises the kind of character every top club needs—a player who gives his all without complaint, who is ready to step in whenever called upon, and who understands what it means to wear the badge.
The current defensive scenario is concerning. Letting go of Quansah, possibly losing Konaté, and entertaining Gomez’s exit all in one window could leave Liverpool dangerously thin at the back. While Arne Slot has proven his tactical acumen, he will need the right tools if the club is to build on last season’s title-winning campaign.
In that context, keeping Gomez may be one of the smartest decisions Liverpool could make this summer—unless, of course, the player himself is ready to seek a new chapter. If that time comes, he’ll leave with his head held high and the respect of the fanbase firmly intact.