Liverpool are determined to keep Joe Gomez and are ready to offer the England international a new deal to illustrate their faith in him.
Gomez has endured two difficult years, with a serious knee injury, sustained while away with England, decimating the 2020-21 campaign while last season did not present enough opportunities for him to play regularly.
The 25-year-old, who joined Liverpool in June 2015 from Charlton, is under contract until 2024 but Liverpool do not want to enter into a situation where he heads into the final 12 months without anything signed.
Initials discussions have taken place with Gomez’s advisors and should things go as expected, he will sign terms that will mean his career at Anfield will span beyond a decade.
There were times during Liverpool’s pursuit of four trophies that Gomez felt as if he was not making enough of a contribution – he only played 90 minutes in the Premier League on three occasions, the first of which was against Norwich on February 19 – but he was also able to see the bigger picture.
‘It was really unlucky for Joe,’ Klopp acknowledged in February. ‘He has consistently played on an incredible level and has been one of the best centre-halves in England but then the big injury came and little injuries on top of that.’
He was as thrilled as any members of Jurgen Klopp’s squad after the Carabao Cup and FA Cup triumphs against Chelsea and he has been working hard this summer to ensure he is in the right shape for pre-season.
Liverpool head out to the Far East on Saturday for a week long tour of Thailand and Singapore that will see them play games against Manchester United and Crystal Palace and Gomez will play in both fixtures.
Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, continue in discussions with Liverpool for the sale of Neco Williams and are hopeful of securing a deal for the Wales right-back.