Joe Gomez has admitted that an exit from Liverpool is possible this summer, despite having 12 months left on a current contract. The defender has spoken openly about uncertainty over the next step, at a time when Liverpool prepare for further changes to the first-team squad.
The Reds sit fourth in the Premier League and meet Aston Villa on Friday at Villa Park. Victory would guarantee Champions League qualification for next season, while speculation continues around several senior players and staff, including Gomez, Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and manager Arne Slot.
Slot has already stated that Liverpool’s squad should experience “a little transition” during the upcoming window, rather than a major overhaul similar to last year. Even that smaller reshaping could still involve important departures, with Gomez among those whose long-term status is now under review.
As the longest-serving player in the current squad, Gomez may depart alongside other prominent figures. Reports in Italy and England link Alisson Becker with a move to Juventus in Serie A, which would leave Virgil van Dijk as the last remaining regular from Jurgen Klopp’s peak years at Anfield.
Gomez’s concern over minutes comes as Liverpool add more defensive options. Jeremy Jacquet will complete a move from Rennes in the summer. Giovanni Leoni is also due to join, while Conor Bradley is returning from a long-term injury, which increases competition across the back line.
The 28-year-old has endured another restricted campaign. Across all competitions in 2025-26, Gomez has featured 31 times, but has started only 15 matches. Fitness problems have repeatedly reduced availability since joining Liverpool, limiting rhythm and consistency in central defence and full-back roles.
Gomez moved to Anfield from Charlton Athletic in 2015 for a reported £3.5m fee. Since then, the defender has accumulated 272 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions, collecting eight major trophies including two Premier League titles and the 2018-19 Champions League triumph under Klopp.
Asked directly about what happens next, Gomez responded with caution while stressing appreciation for Liverpool. “No. I think anything can happen. I don’t know is the honest answer. I’ve only got a year left so I don’t know, but whatever is meant to be will be, I guess. But I’m so grateful to have had this time here at this club. I’ll always be grateful to have had 11 years at a place like this. All I can do is be thankful and we’ll see.”
Whatever decision follows, Gomez’s 11-year spell already places the defender in a select group of long-serving Liverpool players. The next few months will decide whether that chapter closes in 2026, while Liverpool’s pursuit of Champions League football continues to shape the wider direction of the squad.