Sources: Liverpool make up minds over Joe Gomez transfer ahead of January
Liverpool are already putting plans in place for the January transfer window as Arne Slot aims to further improve the depth of his squad.
Despite having suffered three defeats in a row at the hands of Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea, there is now a focus on transfers behind the scenes at Anfield.
The Reds spent almost £450million during the summer, but could now be made to consider cashing in on some fringe players when the mid-season window opens.
Questions have been asked about the long-term future of Joe Gomez amid interest from AC Milan and other clubs abroad after missing out in the summer.
Football Insider revealed on 7 September that Gomez could leave Liverpool in January in search of first-team opportunities if Marc Guehi is signed.
Liverpool respond to interest in Joe Gomez
Despite growing interest in Gomez since the summer transfer window, the Reds currently have no plans to let any of their defensive options leave in January.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Gomez is the only senior option available behind Ibrahima Konate and Virgil Van Dijk, while his versatility also makes him a valuable asset for the Reds at the back.
Slot, meanwhile, is determined to keep the majority of his squad together and will not entertain offers for players in what is the weakest area of his squad.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Yeah, it would be highly unlikely that Liverpool would consider letting Joe Gomez go, especially with their current centre-back issues.
“After failing to bring in Guehi, the injury to Leoni was a big blow as well, so Gomez is the only other senior centre-back option available to Slot.
“The thing about Gomez as well is that he’s so versatile, he can play at right-back, left-back, even in defensive midfield which he did under Jurgen Klopp.
“There was obviously interest from AC Milan in the summer window. I’m sure there’s still interest from some foreign clubs in Gomez as well, but Liverpool’s current plight means that they can’t even consider letting Gomez go.
“They’re probably looking to bring in another centre-back, not lose a centre-back in January. So I think that’ll be the current situation.“
Football Insider revealed on 5 September that Crystal Palace and Brighton wanted Gomez during the summer but his departure was blocked.
Liverpool plan to sign a new centre-back in January
Instead of letting anybody go in January, Liverpool are instead planning to sign a new centre-back to bolster their options for rotation.
Leoni looks set to miss months as he recovers from what has been labelled a “devastating” injury, leaving the Reds scrambling for options to cover at the back.
After missing out on signing Guehi on transfer deadline day, Liverpool have five options on their shortlist to add cover in the mid-season window.
Football Insider revealed on 27 September that Liverpool could accelerate their move for Guehi, having originally planned to go back in for him next summer.
Liverpool are no longer the only contenders for Guehi given his potential availability on a free transfer, with the likes of Real Madrid and Chelsea now interested.
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