Chelsea are reportedly interested in Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez. The 27-year-old has been at Anfield since the 2015-16 season.
In 224 games across competitions, the Reds’ longest-serving current player has contributed nine assists. Last season – which was also legedary manager Jurgen Klopp’s last in charge at Anfield, Gomez contributed three assists in 51 games across competitions.
The Reds finished third in the Premier League, won the EFL Cup and reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa Cup and the FA Cup. However, Gomez is staring at an uncertain future at Anfield, despite being contracted till 2027.
As per The Times (via TBR), the Blues have been credited with interest in the Reds defender, with Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Fulham also said to be in the fray.
It’s pertinent to note that Gomez has been left out of the Reds’ squad to take on newly promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road in their Premier League opener on Saturday (August 17).
The Blues have no dearth of central defenders in their squad, but experienced Liverpool man Gomez could be an utility addition in a youthful squad looking to return to the UEFA Champions League.
What’s next for Chelsea and Liverpool?
Chelsea are set to kickstart the Enzo Maresca era with a daunting clash at home with four-time defending champions Manchester City on Sunday (August 18). The Blues are coming off a rather underwhelming off-season, winning once, while they lost 4-2 to City.
However, Maresca’s side will have happy memories of their last home league clash with City. Recovering thrice from behind, Cole Palmer’s stoppage-time equaliser helped them to a share of the spoils in a 4-4 thriller.
It’s pertinent to note that Pep Guardiola’s side are coming off an FA Community Shield win on penalties to Manchester United last weekend. Moreover, they have been the team to beat in the English top flight for a while, winning six of the last seven titles, including the last four, both unprecedented feats.
Meanwhile, as mentioned above, Liverpool open their Premier League campaign at newly promoted Ipswich. The Tractor Boys are only the fifth English side to gain back-to-back promotions, having played in the third division in the 2022-23 season.
After finishing behind winners Leicester City in the Championship last season, Ipswich are gearing up for their first Premier League game in more than two decades. They finished 18th in the 2001-02 edition and had been out of the top flight since then.
