Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez share a close bond(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk could wave farewell to close friend Joe Gomez in the summer after Liverpool signed a centre-half replacement last month. The longstanding defender has been tipped for an exit with the Reds refusing to sanction a sale unless a replacement arrived.
Initially, Marc Guehi was seen as the future in Liverpool’s backline under Arne Slot. However, Manchester City snapped up the Crystal Palace star in January for an initial £20million fee.
Gomez has seen limited playing time so far this season, featuring just 20 times across all competitions. No move came to fruition in January despite AC Milan showing an interest in the forgotten star.
It was reported at the time that the Italian side were keen to bring Gomez and sent an offer to Liverpool. The Reds reaffirmed that the 28-year-old would not be allowed to depart unless a replacement was signed – and Guehi slipped through their fingers before the transfer window ended.
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
Liverpool agreed a deal for Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet to join the club in the summer. This will open the door for Gomez to make a decision on his future with his deal running out next year.
One current player who would bid the defender a sad goodbye is Van Dijk after the pair developed a close relationship in the team.
The Liverpool captain has shown his affection for the England international on numerous occasions, admitting they shared the best bond in 2024.
He said: “I think the closest I am at the moment is Joe Gomez. We’ve been through everything together here at the club, highs and lows and you know we are very close to each other.”
Gomez told The Anfield Wrap how influential the Dutchman has become for the Reds since taking on the armband in 2023. Speaking two years ago, the 28-year-old said: “I can’t put it into words. I know what it means for him, and I really get to see the inside and how things sometimes are tough.
FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo’s dedicated LFC Facebook page
“The little things that people might not see in a training ground when you need to make decisions or enforce moments when it’s like, ‘Lads, we need to be better at this’ or it might be timekeeping, it might be different things that you don’t want to slip out of place.
“Virg has done it in his own way, and it’s made him even more appreciated amongst us as a team. His ability speaks for itself; he’s the best at what he does, he’s the best in the world and probably the best the club has ever had in that position.”
