Liverpool to make decision on Joe Gomez in pre-season as three Premier League clubs consider loan bids
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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will make a decision on Joe Gomez's future during pre-season.
The 20-year-old is part of Klopp's long-term plans but could head out on loan next term.
Gomez has attracted interest from three Premier League clubs, who are hoping to take the defender on a temporary deal, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Gomez suffered a cruciate ligament injury playing for England U21s shortly after Jurgen Klopp’s appointment as manager, and was forced to miss nine months as he recovered.
(Photo: Alex Livesey)
(Photo: REUTERS)
Then, after getting back fit, an Achilles problem set him back further. Gomez returned to action in November 2016 but was able to manage just three senior appearances last season, all in the FA Cup.
The last of those was a difficult afternoon against Wolves in January, though the Londoner did finish the campaign strongly for Mike Garrity’s U23 side.
He was also on the bench for five Premier League games towards the end of the season, and signed a new long-term contract with the club back in January.
(Photo: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Klopp, who had tracked a teenage Gomez while at Borussia Dortmund, remains a huge fan, but with Liverpool in the market for a new centre back this summer, it is understood that a Premier League loan would be considered by the club if it was in the player’s best interests.
Newly-promoted Brighton are keen, while Huddersfield Town and Bournemouth are both long-term admirers. Bournemouth, indeed, were close to signing Gomez when he left Charlton.
Liverpool, for their part, are wary of sending out a player of such promise to the wrong club, especially given the amount of football the player has already missed. Gomez has impressed staff with his attitude and professionalism in battling back to fitness, and was challenging for a first-team spot prior to his knee injury.
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And with the club set to compete on four fronts next season, both domestically and abroad, there is an acceptance that a deeper squad is required.
Liverpool already have Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan as senior centre back options, while Lucas Leiva played there last season and is still at the club for the time being.
Liverpool have at least eight pre-season games in which to give Gomez opportunities, starting with domestic friendlies at Tranmere and Wigan, before trips to Hong Kong, Berlin, Munich and Bilbao.