Arne Slot applauding at Anfield, with Joe Gomez in a circular inset
(Credit: Imago, Manh Tung, Breaking Media)
Callum O'Connell
Tue 13 January 2026 15:47, UK
Liverpool are prepared to pull the plug on any move for Joe Gomez in the January transfer window following Conor Bradley’s serious injury.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that any approaches from interested clubs will quickly be rebuffed by Arne Slot‘s side.
Liverpool confirmed Bradley has undergone surgery following a knee injury picked up against Arsenal and is likely to be ruled out until the end of the season.
Jeremie Frimpong is the natural replacement for Bradley in Slot’s squad, but Gomez’ ability to play both at centre-back and right-back could see him called upon again.
The 28-year-old has started just seven games so far this season, but played 60 minutes as Liverpool beat Barnsley 4-1 in the FA Cup third round last time out.
Liverpool plan to block Joe Gomez transfer
Football Insider revealed in September that Gomez could leave Liverpool in January in search of first-team opportunities, particularly if the Reds sign a centre-back.
However, with no incoming deal on the horizon and ongoing injury issues combined with defensive concerns, Slot is set to rely on Gomez in the second half of the season.
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“There’s no way Liverpool will let Joe Gomez leave,” Brown told Football Insider.
“He’s been there for ages now, it’s easy to forget because he’s in and out of the team, but he’s become an experienced player in his time at Liverpool.
“He proves every time he’s called upon that he can still be a solid option, even if he’s never quite been able to nail down a place in the side.
“That’s why there’s been interested in him and clubs looking at him, because they can offer him more regular playing time and hope that will tempt him.
Arne Slot applauds Liverpool fans after full-time
Credit: Imago
“And it may well be something that happens down the line, but losing Bradley is a huge blow to Liverpool and they were already short of centre-backs.
“Gomez being able to play in both of those positions makes him such an important player, and if there was any move on the horizon, I expect they’ll pull the plug on that.”
Liverpool’s centre-back transfer plan revealed
Football Insider revealed on 12 January that Liverpool will sign a centre-back in the summer for certain amid doubts about their January activity.
The Reds have dealt with some issues at centre-back this season amid a clear drop-off in form for both Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk.
Marc Guehi’s move from Crystal Palace collapsed on deadline day, leaving Slot without much-needed defensive reinforcements in what has been a turbulent season so far.
Marc Guehi during a warm-up at Crystal Palace
Credit: Imago
Football Insider revealed that Liverpool are interested in Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet as they weigh up their options, but a January deal is unlikely.
Instead, they plan to keep their powder dry until the summer when they will address key areas of the squad including, crucially, at the back.
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