Why Liverpool mainstay signed surprise new contract despite heavy summer interest

Joe Gomez has explained why he chose to stay and sign a new Liverpool contract despite intense interest.

With Aston Villa, Newcastle and Real Madrid all circling, Gomez rejected a greater likelihood of regular playing time to fight for his place at Anfield.

The 25-year-old started just 11 games this past season, having established himself as a regular alongside Virgil van Dijk in central defence before suffering a long-term injury in November 2020.

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It was thought that Gomez might be tempted by the prospect of ending his seven-year stay on Merseyside to improve his chances of playing but he has explained that the “challenge” of taking on Van Dijk, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate in the pecking order was too tempting.

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“I can understand why people would have thought I’d be considering moving on, for sure, 100%,” Gomez told the Liverpool Echo.

“It’s apparent from my age now and based on my opportunities in the past, there was definitely still a decision for me to make.

“I guess you could see it as a crossroads. But speaking to the club, I knew it was an important decision for me to make. Fundamentally, the opportunity that I have here and the platform and the chance to be at this club is one that is hard to walk away from. Essentially, it was me accepting the fact I have got to take on the challenge.

Liverpool average 2.56 points per game (97point season) with Joe Gomez and Virgil