Joe Gomez
Image Credits: Getty images
Joe Gomez has opened up on his near-exit from Liverpool during the summer transfer window.
The England defender was one of the few players seriously in the news over a move away from Liverpool last summer.
Gomez, who joined Liverpool in the summer of 2015, was on the brink of joining Newcastle United for £45million ($57.4m) in June, with Anthony Gordon set to head in the opposite direction for £75m.
However, Newcastle cancelled the deal at the eleventh hour as they were unwilling to sell Gordon, having raised the £60m they needed to satisfy the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules through the sales of Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh.
Despite Liverpool’s failure to sign Gordon, Gomez’s future remained uncertain, with Aston Villa named as a possible destination for the England defender, who was said to be keen on moving to a place where he would be guaranteed game time.
The 27-year-old enjoyed a standout season for Liverpool in 2023/24, proving to be a key figure in the setup – be it at left-back, right-back or even at the base of midfield.
Making 51 appearances across all competitions, Gomez displayed his versatility, stepping into various roles across the backline.
However, the Englishman started the season as Arne Slot’s fourth-choice centre-back and so was keen on leaving.
But having been unable to secure a move away from Liverpool, Gomez has now opened up on the failed transfer and how quickly he regained his focus.
What Joe Gomez said about the summer
Speaking to James Pearce of The Athletic, the Liverpool defender was asked how close he came to moving on, and he said:
“Yeah, it was definitely for real.
“But my focus was always on the club. I know how blessed I am to be here. It will be 10 years next summer. I don’t take that for granted.
“It is the best club in the world in my eyes, and (after the transfer didn’t happen) it was quickly a case of adapting and getting right back into the swing of things.
“It was quickly put to bed. That’s football. I am a big believer in focusing on the present. To be somewhere nearly 10 years and not have any blips would not be natural, which probably speaks about my ambition.”
Gomez also opened up on consistently starting games, having recently returned to the starting XI following an injury to Ibrahima Konate.
“I believe things happen for a reason,” he added.
“It is a pleasure to be part of such a great group, and we obviously have such a good foundation to hopefully achieve something this year. That is what you want to be part of. I love being here. I love the club.
“As a player, you always want to play, so you just have to try to be ready. In many ways, I am used to it, having had many ups and downs, but you relish playing and having the opportunity to be in the team.
“It is tricky (not playing) because you don’t know when the chance will come or under what circumstances, what position, and so forth. But I’m a big believer in just controlling what I can and focusing on being the best professional I can be.”
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