Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez would be an ‘amazing’ signing for Newcastle United, according to former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan.
The Lowdown: Gomez linked with Liverpool exit
The England international has had a frustrating start to the season, not starting a single Premier League game for the Reds and finding himself sidelined with an injury.
It has led to a rumour linking Gomez with a move away from Anfield in January, in order to enjoy more playing time ahead of next year’s 2022 World Cup.
With Newcastle languishing at the bottom of the table, Eddie Howe will no doubt to looking to sign players in January and Gomez could be a possible option.
The Latest: Newcastle tipped to sign defender
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan admitted he struggles to see a move materialising but has no doubts about how good he would be for the Magpies:
“You’ve seen already that Zouma has been allowed to leave Chelsea. You never say never but it would be a shock. There are teams out there that need centre-half replacements. I’m looking at Newcastle for one.
“You could probably build a team around him at centre-half. He’s an amazing player and could be one of the pieces that Eddie Howe is looking for.
“But look, I mean, Joe Gomez seems to sort of player that wants to fight for his place before anything else.
“He’ll only think about his future Liverpool if he’s not required.”
The Verdict: Ideal but unlikely
While Gomez’s lack of football may suggest a move away from Liverpool could happen, it would be a major surprise if Jurgen Klopp let him leave midway through the season, having named him as captain against Norwich City in the Carabao Cup back in September.
At 24, he still represents the future for the Reds, and with Joel Matip injury-prone and Virgil van Dijk suffering a serious knee problem last season, he will surely be viewed as a key man still.
There is no denying that Newcastle could do with defensive reinforcements in their quest to beat the drop – they have conceded 30 times in 15 league games – but they may have to look elsewhere for additions.
It is also worth stressing that Gomez has had big injury problems of his own, so there could be a risk element in Newcastle signing him.
In other news, Newcastle reportedly have ‘the opportunity’ to sign one player. Find out who it is here.