Liverpool in talks with midfielder for a new contract as they hold Joe Gomez hope

Transfer News: Liverpool hope that Naby Keita and Joe Gomez sign new contracts

According to the Athletic’s James Pearce (Subscription Required) [h/t Metro], talks are ongoing between Liverpool and Naby Keita over a new contract.

The Guinean midfielder is set to become a free agent in the summer of 2023 and the Reds naturally want to avoid that scenario. They are currently in conversation with him in order to tie him down on new terms.

That would come as a boost for the Reds given their ageing core in the centre of the park. Keita, the former Salzburg star, is still just 27 and in the prime years of his playing career.

Liverpool also hope that Joe Gomez extends his stay at Anfield beyond 2024. It seems like the hardest job in the world trying to keep world-class depth while simultaneously keeping all players pleased.

What should LFC do?

Ibrahima Konate’s gain in playing time has directly meant Gomez’s loss. Joel Matip, meanwhile, has become Virgil van Dijk’s trusted partner in defence; at least in the Premier League last season.

Gomez has clearly fallen down the pecking order and has had to make do as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s backup in recent months. Even that position would now be under threat by Calvin Ramsay’s arrival.

It is important for the Reds to have a strong defensive line-up, at least four quality centre-backs, in order to navigate through a season without much anxiety. Failure to replace Dejan Lovren in the summer of 2020 proved costly for us, after all.

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Hence, it is important that the Reds don’t get tempted by an offer for Gomez because he is an important player- right now as a squad option, and in the future as a potential successor for one of our current senior centre-backs.