It’s difficult not to feel sorry for Liverpool defender Joe Gomez.
Alongside Virgil van Dijk, Gomez was one of Liverpool’s most important centre-backs under Jurgen Klopp once upon a time.
But by virtue of the fact that the 24-year-old has only started three Premier League games this season, you could very well argue that is no longer the case.
Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate are both comfortably ahead of Gomez in the pecking order regarding Klopp’s preferred partner for Van Dijk in central defence.
And according to The Express in March, Liverpool were considering selling the player this summer.
However, Theo Squires of The Echo has revealed today that Klopp wants Fenway Sports Group to extend Gomez’s contract at Anfield, with the player’s existing deal expiring in 2024.
But Squires has also suggested that Gomez might not be willing to stay at Liverpool, due to his playing time being dramatically cut.
He wrote in The Echo: “It’s a big pre-season for Gomez. I was told that Klopp wants Gomez to be offered a new long-term contract this summer, but the club are aware that it’s easier said than done getting him to put pen to paper. He’ll be frustrated at his lack of game-time and will want to play with the World Cup on the horizon after all.”
You couldn’t begrudge Gomez a summer move away from Merseyside if he was keen.
Aston Villa have been linked earlier in 2022 but The Mirror reported last week that a move to Steven Gerrard’s side was unlikely.
Whoever Gomez joins, he’s going to be guaranteed regular football, fitness permitting.
He isn’t good enough to play every week at Liverpool but, then again, who is?
Plenty of other Premier League clubs will offer the former Charlton Athletic youngster an escape route and based on his lack of game time this season, he might just take it.
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