West Ham United have been linked with a move to sign Joe Gomez from Liverpool this summer.
Joe Gomez has struggled for regular game-time at Liverpool, and it has been suggested that West Ham could try to prise him away from Anfield.
It was claimed that the 27-year-old Reds defender was a backup option for Hammers head coach Julen Lopetegui, if he is unable to sign Jean-Clair Todibo.
Now a move for the Frenchman seems to be completely dead in the water, so the Gomez rumours have predictably started doing the rounds yet again.
The former Charlton Athletic ace is a very good defender, and he can play as a centre-back or in either full-back positions.
You don’t play for Liverpool for nine years throughout Jurgen Klopp’s reign if there isn’t something very special about you.
Gomez is obviously a fantastic footballer, and it goes without saying that he would improve the Hammers’ defence almost instantly.
So is there really a chance that Lopetegui could bring the 27-year-old back to London in the summer transfer window?
Update on West Ham move to sign Liverpool star Joe Gomez
The Liverpool man’s future at Anfield under Arne Slot is uncertain to say the least.
And a return to London might not be out of the question this summer, according to various reports.
However, are West Ham really in the race for his signature?
Hammers insider Sean Whetstone has lifted the lid on recent links with the Liverpool defender.
Whetstone said, “West Ham will not be making a bid for Liverpool‘s Joe Gomez who is valued at £45 million if Kurt Zouma leaves the Hammers club sources have confirmed. West Ham have limited transfer funds remaining.”
I have to say, £45 million sounds like a rather inflated fee for Gomez, especially when considering his less than impressive injury record.
He has missed 246 games through injury since 2015 (Transfermarkt) – a really concerning number.
However, that record has to be weighed up against his ability when he is actually fully fit and playing regularly.
Back in March of this year, former Reds boss Jurgen Klopp described the 27-year-old as an ‘exceptional’ player (LFC website).
Klopp is spot on – the former Charlton man is a truly brilliant defender…but only when he’s fit, and that’s far from guaranteed.
If Joe Gomez was available for let’s say, £20-25 million, I think it would be a deal worth pursuing for West Ham.
However, if Liverpool really do value him at £45 million, which I highly doubt for what it’s worth, then it’s a non-starter for obvious reasons.
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