Liverpool dodge summer transfer bullet as Joe Gomez to Newcastle United update emerges
Liverpool have dodged a major transfer error this summer after an update emerged surrounding Joe Gomez’s long-term future at Anfield.
The England international had an incredibly impressive season under Jurgen Klopp on Merseyside as he played a key role across several positions as the Reds finished third in the Premier League and won the Carabao Cup.
However, it has now been revealed that the 27-year-old could have exited Anfield this summer as Arne Slot’s side looked to add to their attacking ranks.
A report from The Telegraph on Monday (1 July) suggests that the Reds offered Gomez or Jarrell Quansah as part of a potential swap deal with Newcastle United which would have seen Anthony Gordon head the other way.
Will Anthony Gordon join Liverpool in the summer transfer window at Anfield?
Gomez made 17 starts in the Premier League last term as a centre-back, a left-back and a right-back as he played a major role in keeping Klopp’s side in the title race in the latter months of the season.
One of his best displays came as a left-back when Liverpool drew 1-1 with Manchester City at Anfield as the 27-year-old kept Premier League player of the season Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva incredibly quiet.
The England international won 100 per cent of his three attempted tackles in the game and made seven ball recoveries as he and Virgil van Dijk ensured the Premier League champions had very few clear-cut chances, according to Fotmob.
On top of that, Gomez won five ground duels and registered a single interception despite being isolated on his weaker foot for the majority of the game.
That didn’t impact the defender in possession, however, as he completed 83 per cent of his 46 attempted passes, eight of which managed to find a teammate in a red shirt in the final third of the pitch.
While not quite as adventurous as either Andy Robertson or Trent Alexander-Arnold, Gomez also completed 100 per cent of his attempted dribbles as well but was unable to find a teammate with his only attempted cross.
When compared to other fullbacks in the Premier League last season, the exit-linked defender placed in the top 20 per cent of his peers for passes into the final third per 90 minutes with an average of 4.18, according to Fbref.
Defensively, Gomez offers a more consistent presence at full-back than Alexander-Arnold. He sits in the top 20 per cent of his peers for dribblers tackled per game and the 71st percentile for tackles won per 90 minutes.
He may not be quite as effective in the final third as the alternative options already at Anfield having only registered one assist in his 32 league appearances last term, but he is a valuable option for Slot to have.
Why Liverpool were willing to let him is baffling but they have dodged a bullet because of the fact this deal hasn’t been completed.
In other Liverpool news, the Reds lead Chelsea in a summer transfer race for a Wolves player.
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