Report: Newcastle now eyeing move to sign ‘exceptional’ PL winner, £25M gets a deal done

Newcastle United have entered the race for Liverpool defender Joe Gomez as Eddie Howe looks to strengthen his backline ahead of their Champions League campaign.

The Magpies join a growing list of Premier League suitors including Aston Villa, Everton, West Ham, and Bournemouth, all monitoring the England international’s uncertain situation at Anfield.

Liverpool have reportedly set a €30 million (£25 million) valuation for the versatile defender but appear willing to negotiate, with interested clubs confident of securing a deal below the asking price.

Gomez’s potential availability comes at an opportune moment for Newcastle, who prioritize defensive reinforcements this summer. The 28-year-old’s ability to play across the backline – including both center-back and full-back positions – makes him an attractive proposition for a squad facing increased fixture congestion.

However, his recent injury history raises legitimate concerns, with a hamstring problem restricting him to just 17 appearances and 880 minutes of action across all competitions in Liverpool’s first season under Arne Slot.

Defensive Pedigree Meets Injury Concerns

Despite finishing the season as an unused substitute in Liverpool’s final two matches against Brighton and Crystal Palace, Gomez’s quality remains undisputed.

The Charlton Athletic academy product, described as “exceptional” by former manager Jürgen Klopp, brings nearly a decade of top-level experience and Premier League pedigree. His statistical output during limited 2024/25 Premier League appearances demonstrates his reliability when fit:

Newcastle’s interest in Gomez forms part of a broader defensive recruitment strategy that also includes Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi as a primary target. The Magpies face stiff competition for both players, with Gomez’s Premier League experience and homegrown status making him particularly appealing for clubs navigating financial fair play regulations.

Liverpool’s willingness to entertain offers for Gomez stems from their own defensive restructuring plans, with new manager Slot reportedly keen to reshape his backline.

The defender’s contract running until 2027 gives the Reds negotiating leverage, but their apparent openness to his departure suggests a deal could materialize at the right price.

For Newcastle, the pursuit presents both opportunity and risk. Gomez’s injury record – including previous long-term knee and Achilles problems – demands careful consideration, especially for a club that endured its own defensive injury crisis last season.

However, his proven ability to perform at the highest level when fit, combined with his tactical flexibility, could provide invaluable squad depth for their European campaign.

The financial aspect also warrants scrutiny. While Newcastle’s Champions League qualification boosts their spending power, the club must balance multiple positional needs.

Committing £20-25 million to Gomez would represent a significant portion of their summer budget, potentially limiting moves for other targets unless player sales materialize.

Strategic Fit for Newcastle’s Ambitions

Gomez’s potential arrival would address several key requirements for Howe’s side. His experience in title-chasing and Champions League environments aligns with Newcastle’s aspirations, while his ability to cover multiple defensive positions solves practical squad-building challenges.

The defender’s comfort in both four and five-at-the-back systems also provides tactical flexibility as Howe adapts to European competition.

However, the move’s viability ultimately hinges on medical assessments and price negotiations. Newcastle’s recruitment team, led by sporting director Dan Ashworth’s successor, must determine whether Gomez’s injury issues represent temporary setbacks or chronic concerns.

They’ll also need to weigh his acquisition against alternative targets like Guéhi, who offers similar qualities but with fewer fitness question marks.

As the summer window progresses, Gomez’s situation bears close monitoring. For a player entering his prime years but facing increased competition at Liverpool, a move to St James’ Park could offer the fresh start needed to reignite his career.

For Newcastle, he represents a calculated gamble – one that could either solidify their defense or become another expensive treatment room occupant.

Newcastle’s interest in Gomez underscores their pragmatic approach to this summer’s recruitment – targeting players who can immediately contribute while fitting within their evolving project parameters.

Whether this particular pursuit reaches fruition may depend as much on medical evaluations as transfer negotiations, highlighting the complex calculations behind modern football recruitment. As preseason approaches, the Magpies’ defensive plans will become clearer, with Gomez representing one of several options under serious consideration.