In late June, discussions about Joe Gomez’s potential move from Liverpool to Newcastle United reached an advanced stage, with payment terms on the table. Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, was prepared to offload Gomez for £45 million ($57.6 million) provided that Anthony Gordon would transfer the other way for £75 million. These two transactions were intertwined, each contingent on the completion of the other.

Newcastle CEO Darren Eales sought a large portion of Gordon’s fee upfront to comply with the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability regulations before the June 30 deadline. There were also preliminary discussions about arranging medical examinations for Gomez and Gordon during the European Championship in Germany.

Newcastle initially considered signing Jarell Quansah but were told that the 21-year-old, who had a standout season with 33 appearances, was not available for transfer. When focus shifted to Gomez, Liverpool showed willingness to negotiate, and Gomez expressed interest in joining Eddie Howe’s team, which promised him regular minutes as a right-sided centre-back.

However, the deals were ultimately shelved. Newcastle decided to keep Gordon after securing £60 million through the sales of Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest for £35 million and Yankuba Minteh to Brighton & Hove Albion for £30 million, thus avoiding the need to offload Gordon.

As the season progresses and with Gordon and Gomez returning to their clubs after an extended break due to their England commitments, the situation remains in flux. Liverpool continues to hold interest in Gordon, who was excited by the chance to join his boyhood club. Newcastle plans to offer him a new, improved contract, easing their previous financial pressures.

Gomez, still under contract until 2027, is contemplating his future after nearly leaving Liverpool. The club is not actively pushing him out; rather, the timing of the transfer window influenced the situation. Gomez, who has been with Liverpool since 2015, is considered one of the senior centre-backs and his versatility was particularly noted last season when he effectively covered both full-back positions during key injuries.

Despite making 51 appearances and starting 31 games in the 2023-24 season, Gomez was frustrated by his limited opportunities in his preferred centre-back role. Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate were favored alongside Virgil van Dijk, and although Matip has departed, Quansah is expected to retain his spot. Konate is anticipated to regain his form under new manager Arne Slot following a difficult end to Jurgen Klopp’s tenure.

Nathaniel Phillips is likely to leave after Liverpool’s tour of the United States, but Sepp van den Berg has been impressive in pre-season. Having shone during his loan at Mainz, Van den Berg has drawn attention despite Liverpool rejecting offers from Mainz, Wolfsburg, and PSV Eindhoven. Liverpool’s £20 million valuation of him seems justified, particularly after his strong performance against Arsenal in Philadelphia.