Liverpool defender Joe Gomez is once again attracting interest from AC Milan and Besiktas as he considers his options this summer. The 28-year-old has one year left on his contract after spending 11 years at Anfield, and he is one of several Liverpool players who could leave. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker, midfielders Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister have also attracted interest, while centre-back Ibrahima Konate has yet to finalise new contract terms.
Gomez Reflects on Liverpool Career
'Whatever's meant to be will be, but I'm so grateful to have had this time here at this club,' said Gomez at the weekend. 'I always will be grateful to have had 11 years at a place like this. All I can do is be thankful and we'll see.' Injuries have hindered Gomez, and he has made only six Premier League starts this season, though he made 31 appearances overall. When fit, his versatility has proved invaluable, as he can play competently across defence or in midfield.
Liverpool's Defensive Situation
Liverpool are not blessed with defenders. They signed Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes for £55m, but he is recovering from shoulder surgery. Giovanni Leoni, signed from Parma for £26m last year, is recovering from knee ligament surgery but has returned to training on grass. Arne Slot has drafted 18-year-old Mor Talla Ndiaye into the first-team squad after signing him from FC Amitie in January. Kostas Tsimikas will return from his loan at Roma, but Conor Bradley remains a long-term absentee, while Andy Robertson is leaving, with Spurs keen to sign him.
It may still be in Liverpool's interests to keep Gomez as their transition under Slot continues. Milan have previously shown interest, while Newcastle United and Crystal Palace have discussed signing him as part of deals for Anthony Gordon and Marc Guehi. Liverpool do not intend to spend heavily this summer, but they are working to replace Mo Salah and will bring in at least one winger with a capacity to score goals.
Slot's Involvement in Recruitment
As Daily Mail Sport reported in January, Slot has been involved in plans to recruit for the summer in preparation for him continuing as manager, despite criticism from supporters and calls to replace him with Xabi Alonso. Liverpool have been sounding out the market for midfielders and defenders as they prepare for all eventualities. Konate's new deal was considered close last month, and while talks have not collapsed, they have yet to resolve final details. Should he depart, Liverpool may feel the need to keep Gomez, whose experience is all the greater.
The England international is understood to be particularly interested by what Milan could propose. They are already in talks to add Leon Goretzka on a free from Bayern Munich and Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace.
