- Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has emerged as a target for Aston Villa this summer
- His current future is uncertain, with just 12 months left on his contract
- Gomez’s versatility is what appeals to Villa
Aston Villa are showing strong interest in Liverpool defender Joe Gomez, as Unai Emery prepares to upgrade his squad ahead of another European campaign.
The Villans’ recruitment team is shifting into high gear following a demanding season. With more high-stakes fixtures on the horizon, Emery wants a larger squad to handle the physical demands of multiple competitions.
Gomez is viewed as an ideal addition to this setup. His tactical flexibility allows him to step into his natural centre-back role or deputise at both right-back and left-back. For Villa, this helps address long-term squad management.
Under Emery’s meticulous asymmetric system, Villa’s full-backs are asked to complete highly specific, taxing roles. The Spaniard regularly transitions between a back-four and a fluid back-three during sustained possession.
This requires dynamic defenders who are equally comfortable defending wide spaces and tucking inside as auxiliary centre-backs.
When Victor Lindelöf and Boubacar Kamara have played in midfield, they have dropped into right-back to create the back three. Furthermore, Emery has long targeted a centre-back who can play on the right specifically for this reason, with Gomez fitting that description.
European competition
According to the Daily Mail, Villa are not alone in tracking the 29-year-old’s situation. Turkish side Besiktas and Italian giants AC Milan have also actively monitored Gomez over recent months.
However, Milan’s interest has cooled slightly due to an ongoing overhaul of their senior management and technical staff.
Despite the lack of a formal bid, Villa are poised to move swiftly if the price tag is right. They are expected to have a busy transfer window to add quality and depth to their squad, meaning Emery will be looking at cut-price deals given the financial restraints they face.
As Gomez has only 12 months remaining on his Liverpool contract, his market value will plummet below what the Reds may have originally wanted, opening a perfect window for Villa to strike a deal.
ReadAstonVilla verdict
Ultimately, whilst the signing of Joe Gomez won’t “wow” supporters, it is a deal that would make sense for Villa, although there may be better alternatives.
From a competitive perspective, Gomez provides Emery with a combination of elite Premier League pedigree and Champions League-winning experience, whilst adding depth across the whole backline. This is crucial in a highly congested schedule throughout the season.
Financially, capitalising on the Englishman’s expiring contract allows the club to secure a player well below market value, which will help them in their battle with the financial rules.
If Villa can negotiate a reasonable fee, bringing Gomez to Villa Park would represent a shrewd piece of business to kickstart a crucial summer of recruitment.
