Liverpool’s Joe Gomez is growing frustrated at Anfield and the Reds will face a task in persuading him to stay.
Gomez looked to be growing into the role of Klopp’s preferred centre-back partner for Virgil Van Dijk at the end of the 2019/20 football season, but has since fallen down the pecking order at Liverpool.
The 25-year-old sustained a serious injury to his knee at the beginning of the 2020/21 Premier League season, and has since failed to reclaim his starting spot at Anfield.
Advert
Since his injury, Gomez has rarely been deployed as a centre-back and instead has been covering for Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back whenever his compatriot is unavailable.
This has frustrated the Englishman, and Liverpool hierarchy know this, according to The Mirror.
Despite opening contract talks with the defender, Liverpool’s Sporting Director Julian Ward knows nothing is guaranteed regarding Gomez’s future.
The quality of centre-backs who surround Gomez in the Liverpool squad don’t help his chances of reclaiming his spot.
Advert
Joel Matip has just finished his best season in a Reds’ shirt, while Ibrahima Konaté enjoyed a strong first season in English football.
Gomez isn’t content with adopting the sort of role at Liverpool Nathan Aké does for Manchester City.
He of course has aspirations to become Klopp’s first choice right-centre-back again. If his wishes aren’t fulfilled, he could look to ply his trade elsewhere.
However, according to The Metro, Gomez remains an important player to Jürgen Klopp. He doesn’t wish to see the back of the English defender this summer.
Advert
Liverpool will need to present a clear pathway back into the starting line-up for Gomez if he is to put pen to paper and sign a new deal.
Aged 25, relatively young for a centre-back, Gomez’s best years are still ahead of him.
Liverpool will want to ensure he enjoys the best years of his career at Anfield.
Advert
The opportunities will arise. Joel Matip and Virgil Van Dijk are now the wrong side of 30.
Liverpool are looking rejuvenate their side over the course of the coming seasons, and a youthful centre-back pairing of Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez could be deployed sooner rather than later.
Liverpool just need to persuade Gomez to be patient.
Handing him more than the mere 21 appearances he was given last season will be a step in the right direction.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Joe Gomez, Liverpool Transfer News & Rumours, Liverpool, Transfers