Joe Gomez to make Liverpool exit decision as Aston Villa eye last-minute transfer
Liverpool defender Joe Gomez will have to decide whether he is willing to exit Anfield and fight for his place at Aston Villa, according to Alan Hutton.
Unai Emery’s side have already begun to consider potential replacements for Diego Carlos as Fulham look to secure the Brazilian’s signature before the transfer window slams shut at the end of August [David Ornstein, 9 August].
England international Gomez is exploring his options and didn’t travel with Arne Slot’s side for their clash with Ipswich Town, amid interest from the Villans and a host of Premier League clubs [The Times, 17 August].
Although Hutton believes the 27-year-old would strengthen Emery’s squad as a rotation option, he isn’t convinced the Liverpool regular would be able to force his way into the starting XI week in and week out.
“There’s a lot of competition there,” Hutton exclusively told Villa News.
“I don’t really see him coming in and being a regular starter, I know he’s done well when Jurgen Klopp was the manager but how it’s going to look for him moving forward I’m not sure.
“I think he’d make the squad better if I’m honest. He gives you another option especially at fullback because he’s versatile.
“But I don’t think he comes in at this moment in time and starts right away, so it really comes down to the player.
“If his future is not at Anfield then he is probably wanting to go somewhere where he’s going to play regularly and I’m not sure that will be at Villa.”
Will Joe Gomez exit Liverpool amid Aston Villa transfer rumours?
Emery does appear to have a settled centre-back pairing heading into the new Premier League season, with Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres regular starters and Tyrone Mings returning to offer some support.
But with Champions League football on the agenda and Carlos’ future hanging in the balance, there is a clear lack of depth in defence and that could prove to be an issue over the course of the season.
Gomez would offer a solution to that issue while also providing another option at fullback where Emery is known to chop and change on a regular basis.
If he is open to quitting Liverpool and making the switch to Villa Park and the two clubs can agree on a fee for his services, this feels like it would be an excellent move for all parties involved.
But the England international is unlikely to leave Anfield for another rotation role if that’s all that is on offer under Emery.
In other Aston Villa news, the Villans are set to pursue a deal for Samu Omorodion on one condition ahead of the transfer deadline
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