In one of the more-surprising links of the transfer window so far, Leeds United are one of eight Premier League clubs considering a move to sign Liverpool defender Joe Gomez.
England defender Gomez is the third Liverpool player on Leeds’ shortlist this summer. Caoimhin Kelleher was a target for Leeds but Brentford blew Leeds out of the water and quickly agreed an £18m transfer.
With Junior Firpo’s future in doubt, Konstantinos Tsimikas is a target for Leeds. The Greek defender’s future is also expected to be away from Liverpool with Arne Slot’s side closing in on £45m Milos Kerkez.
But Liverpool are cashing in on a few fringe players this summer with Jeremie Frimpong signed, Florian Wirtz on his way to Merseyside and Kerkez a strong target. One of those is Gomez and Leeds are keen.
Joe Gomez price and why Leeds need multiple defender signings
Reports say that clubs like Newcastle, Everton and West Ham as well as all three promoted clubs want to sign Gomez from Liverpool. Interestingly, Liverpool want a whopping £25m for Gomez if he is to leave.
That is despite Slot limiting Gomez to just nine Premier League appearances. Leeds fans are stunned that The Reds want £25m for Gomez but actually, it would be brilliant business and save Leeds some cash.
Leeds are about to lose Sam Byram and Junior Firpo on free transfers, while Isaac Schmidt says he is ‘open to offers’. It could leave Leeds with just one full-back, after finishing the season with four options.
There is also a need to find a long-term partner for Joe Rodon. Pascal Struijk is injury prone and Max Wober is expected to leave this summer. So, Leeds need a left-back, cover at full-back and a centre-back.
Why Joe Gomez saves Leeds United money, even if he costs £25m
Leeds need to spend big on a centre-back and a left-back, while also spending cash to bring in cover for the starting options. But bringing in Gomez, who is incredibly versatile, saves Leeds having to do that.
Of course, Leeds will need to spend on a centre-back and a left-back, and Gomez fits the bill alongside Rodon. But in terms of cover, Gomez can do it all in defence – right-back, centre-back and on the left.
The addition of Gomez saves Leeds having to sign four new defenders, especially when the budget is tight. Even if he costs £25m, Gomez prevents Leeds having to bring in cover and that saves Leeds cash.
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