Liverpool view summer as final window to cash in on Gomez as Gakpo's future thrown into doubt

Liverpool are treating the summer market as their final realistic opportunity to extract a substantial fee for Joe Gomez, with the defender's contract situation making 2026 a now-or-never moment for the Reds.

Defensive injuries have plagued Merseyside this season, forcing the club to contemplate a mid-season raid on Lutsharel Geertruida – currently on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig – before the January window slammed shut. When that move failed to materialise, Liverpool found themselves shuffling Dominik Szoboszlai into right-back duties while awaiting Jeremie Frimpong's return to fitness. Injuries to Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley have left the squad perilously thin at the back.

Gomez himself spent time sidelined in January and early February, though he has since returned to contention. Yet despite his recent availability, Italian heavyweights AC Milan are understood to be leading the pursuit of the England international, with a summer switch looking increasingly plausible. The 27-year-old, content as a squad option in recent campaigns, now appears more receptive to seeking pastures new.

An insider revealed the thinking behind Liverpool's stance: "Liverpool are keen to reshape their back line with younger, specialist profiles. Gomez is no longer seen as indispensable but rather as a valuable market asset. With his contract expiring in 2027, the summer of 2026 is viewed as the last major opportunity for the club to secure a significant transfer fee."

Elsewhere on Merseyside's attacking front, Cody Gakpo's campaign has disappointed sections of the fanbase, particularly following Luis Diaz's summer departure to Bayern Munich. The Dutch winger and Mohamed Salah have both underperformed expectations this term, prompting speculation about potential summer overhauls.

According to journalist Pete O'Rourke, Liverpool could consider moving Gakpo on should they pursue another left-sided attacker: "If Liverpool were to bring in another left-sided attacker in the summer then maybe that potentially could open the door for a move away for Cody Gakpo."

However, Gakpo remains contracted until 2030 and is reportedly content at Anfield despite occasional criticism from supporters. Manager Arne Slot's continued faith in the 25-year-old – demonstrated through regular selection – suggests any departure remains unlikely unless circumstances shift dramatically during the close season.