Liverpool defender Joe Gomez is reportedly prepared for a new challenge following transfer interest from Newcastle United.
The 27-year-old was a key squad player during the nine-year reign of Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, however the German was now stepped down from his duties at the club.
Gomez featured in 32 Premier League matches for Liverpool last term, starting 17 of those, providing one assist from the backline throughout the league campaign.
Due to his versatility to operate in a number of positions, the defender was handed a place in England's Euro 2024 squad by Gareth Southgate.
John Stones, Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa were all preferred to Gomez at centre-back, with the Liverpool man only featuring in friendly clashes against Bosnia Herzegovina and Iceland at the start of June.
© Reuters
Liverpool's Gomez 'open' to Anfield exit
According to the Daily Mail, Gomez's nine-year stint at Anfield could be approaching its conclusion before the end of the 2024 summer transfer window.
The report claims that the centre-back is currently open to exploring a new challenge elsewhere after nearly a decade at the Merseyside club.
It is understood that Gomez wants to secure regular first-team football, with the defender arguably entering the peak years of his professional career.
A potential transfer to Newcastle collapsed in June, with the England international being used in a deal involving Anthony Gordon transferring to Liverpool from St James' Park.
However, following the Magpies' sale of Yankuba Minteh to Brighton & Hove Albion, the North-East giants were no longer required to raise funds by offloading Gordon to the Reds.
© Reuters
Where does Gomez fit in at Liverpool?
Following the departure of legendary coach Klopp and the arrival of Arne Slot from Feyenoord, Gomez could have the chance to cement himself as a first-choice centre-back.
That being said, Virgil van Dijk is an automatic pick for the Reds and the emergence of Jarell Quansah has also pushed the 27-year-old further down the pecking order.
Better news for Gomez's playing time arrives in the form of Joel Matip's exit, with the Cameroonian leaving at the expiration of his contract.
Another name in the fray for a starting spot this season is Sepp van den Berg, who has attracted interest from across Europe after an impressive loan stint at Mainz 05 last term.
Carter White
