Aston Villa has emerged as a potential destination for Liverpool defender Joe Gomez, according to reports. Despite the talk of Gomez leaving Liverpool dying down, there is still ongoing interest in the 27-year-old, and a transfer could develop if other deals go through. Gomez was open to departing Anfield after a proposed £45 million switch to Newcastle fell through in June. It was rumored that he could be part of a deal to send Anthony Gordon to Liverpool, but with that falling through, Gomez was reportedly considering his options.
However, Matt Law of The Telegraph now claims that Aston Villa could target Gomez if they sell center-back Diego Carlos this summer. Villa has already rejected an opening bid from Fulham, who are considered “front-runners” for Carlos, according to Law. West Ham and clubs in Saudi Arabia are also interested in the 31-year-old. In the event that Carlos leaves, Villa has a number of potential targets, including Gomez and Feyenoord’s Lutsharel Geertruida.
West Ham and Crystal Palace are also in the market for a new center-back. Crystal Palace is expected to sell Marc Guehi to Newcastle, which would likely end their interest in Gomez. Gomez has already been touted as a possible target for West Ham, and there is a possibility that he could be on Palace’s radar as well.
While Gomez would almost certainly enjoy a regular starting role at any of the clubs mentioned, that is not the case at Anfield. He is currently behind Virgil van Dijk, Jarell Quansah, and new signing Ibrahima Konate in the pecking order. Additionally, a decision has yet to be made on Sepp van den Berg’s future, who is also attracting interest from multiple clubs.
Liverpool fans may hope that Gomez stays at the club, but there is a sense that they would understand if he pushes for a move in search of regular playing time. Despite his commitment to Arne Slot’s cause for the season ahead, Gomez’s desire for a starting role at center-back could lead to a potential transfer. As the center-back merry-go-round continues, it remains to be seen where Gomez will ultimately end up.