Transfer Centre

Al-Ittihad want Liverpool defender Joe Gomez?

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 29 August 2023

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez is reportedly attracting interest from Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad, who are also keen to sign Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has reportedly attracted interest from Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad.

The 26-year-old has spent the last eight years with the Reds since joining from Charlton Athletic and has made a total of 175 appearances across all competitions.

However, injuries and a decline in form during the second half of last season resulted in Gomez losing his place in Jurgen Klopp's starting lineup, and he has since fallen down the pecking order behind Ibrahima Konate and Joel Matip.

Gomez, who can play at either centre-back or right-back, started just 15 Premier League games last season and has since made only two substitute outings in the new campaign.

Gomez was once a first-team regular under Klopp and was a part of the side that helped Liverpool win the 2018-19 Champions League and Premier League title the following season.

Joe Gomez pictured in March 2022 © Reuters

The defender was also considered as a rising star for England, making 11 international caps between 2017 and 2020, but he is now regarded as a backup option for both club and country.

Gomez still has four years remaining on his Liverpool contract, but it is thought that he may consider a move elsewhere in search of regular first-team football.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Gomez is "very high" on a shortlist of defenders for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad, who are managed by former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

Romano adds that Al-Ittihad like that Gomez is a versatile defender who can play across the backline, but Liverpool have no intention of selling the Englishman.

Liverpool's Joe Gomez pictured in September 2021 © Reuters

Al-Ittihad have already made a number of notable signings so far this summer, recruiting Fabinho from Liverpool as well as Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante and Jota.

Gomez is not the only Liverpool player on Al-Ittihad's radar, as they are also believed to be plotting a big-money move for Egyptian star Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool have no plans to let Salah leave this summer, but a recent report claims that the Saudi side are set to test their resolve with a whopping €150m (£128.7m) bid and could offer the attacker wages that either match or exceed those earned by Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.

While the summer transfer window in England closes on Friday, Saudi Arabian teams can continue their transfer business until September 20.