This comes at a crucial time as Konate is injured and Van Dijk received a red card. – (Fabrizio Romano)

Al Ittihad plot sensational double deal with Liverpool defender now ‘very high’ on their shortlist

Liverpool’s Mo Salah and Joe Gomez

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez is ‘very high’ on the shortlist of Al Ittihad according to Fabrizio Romano as the Saudi club looks at a potential double deal.

Clubs from Saudi Arabia haven’t been messing around this summer as they have already raided the Premier League for several stars.

Liverpool have sold the likes of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to clubs in Saudi this year and more big names could be soon to follow.

It recently came to light that Al Ittihad are plotting a sensational swoop for Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah.

Al-Ittihad is reportedly considering a double deal involving Liverpool defender Joe Gomez, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Saudi club has shown interest in Gomez, who is seen as a versatile player capable of playing in various positions across the backline. However, Liverpool has reiterated that they have no intention of selling important players in the final days of the transfer window.

Gomez, 26, has experienced fluctuations in his role within the Liverpool starting lineup in recent years. Despite this, manager Jurgen Klopp is likely to be hesitant about losing the defender at this late stage in the window. Gomez made a substitute appearance during Liverpool’s dramatic victory over Newcastle, impressing BBC pundit Garth Crooks with his performance after replacing Luis Diaz.

Having signed a contract extension that keeps him at Anfield until 2027, Gomez is not in a rush to leave Liverpool. However, the transfer market has shown that significant offers can tempt clubs to part ways with players. It remains to be seen whether Al-Ittihad will be willing to propose a substantial fee for the services of the 26-year-old defender.

“Al Ittihad have a shortlist of defenders — Liverpool’s Joe Gomez is very high on that list,” Romano confirmed on Twitter.

“Al Ittihad like Gomez as versatile player who can play anywhere across the back line. Liverpool insist they’ve no intention to sell important players in the final days.”

Gomez has been in and out of the Liverpool starting line up over the last few years, but Klopp will be reluctant to lose the 26-year-old this late in the window.

The versatile defender came off the bench in Liverpool’s dramatic triumph over Newcastle and BBC pundit Garth Crooks was impressed with the defender.

“The tactical changes made by Jurgen Klopp and his backroom staff after Virgil van Dijk’s dismissal were nothing short of genius,” he said.

“Gomez replaced Luis Diaz, who naturally felt aggrieved by the substitution, and was later joined by Harvey Elliott, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Jarell Quansah to take up the fight and try to salvage a point from the game.

“Well, they did more than that – they won it. Gomez, who has blown hot and cold in recent seasons, took Van Dijk’s central defensive position after 33 minutes and never put a foot wrong.”

Gomez is under contract at Anfield until 2027 so the club will be in no rush to sell him. However, we have already seen that money talks and time will tell if Al Ittihad are prepared to offer a substantial fee for the 26-year-old.

READ MORE: Summer transfer window 2023: Chelsea still biggest sellers though Neymar has helped PSG

Al Ittihad are said to be keen on a move for Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah this summer.