Liverpool ready to sell star player for €40 million this summer - Reports

Liverpool have reportedly set an asking price of €35-40 million for long-serving defender Joe Gomez. The 27-year-old is inching towards the exit door before the summer transfer window closes.

According to sources cited by CaughtOffside, several Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Fulham, have expressed interest in the England centre-back. Furthermore, Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich showed interest in Gomez earlier in the summer. But despite all these links, no formal offer has been made to Liverpool as of yet.

Gomez, who joined Liverpool in 2015, despite his experience, has struggled to secure a position starting lineup regularly. With new manager Arne Slot at the helm, the center-back's future at Anfield has become increasingly uncertain. Gomez was even excluded from the matchday squad for Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Ipswich Town, hinting at his departure from the club.

The situation remains fluid, with the PL giants potentially receiving interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League. However, it is unclear whether Gomez would prefer to remain in the Premier League or explore opportunities in one of Europe’s other major leagues.

The former Charlton Athletic defender is a versatile player, and his ability to play across multiple positions in the backline has often bailed out the Reds in the event of injuries or suspensions. Any club that lands his services will find a player who can deliver whenever called upon.

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"Many of us lost too many duels" - Liverpool boss Arne Slot on why he brought on Ibrahima Konaté at half-time against Ipswich Town

Liverpool's Premier League opener against newly-promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road wasn't a walk in the park. By halftime, the Reds had failed to establish any control over the game.

After the game, Arne Slot acknowledged the team's first-half struggles, particularly in winning duels. Hence, he brought on Ibrahima Konaté to replace Jarell Quansah, who had a tough time against Ipswich’s forwards.

"The first thing I said [at half-time] is that we don't need to speak about tactics if you lose so many duels," Slot told TNT Sports. "And that's what we did, not that Jarell [Quansah] lost every duel - many of us lost too many duels but I think we needed Konaté to win these long balls through the air from their No. 9."

The Frenchman's physical presence and aerial ability helped nullify the hosts' attacking threat, giving the Merseyside club the upper hand in the second half. Whether Slot decides to stick with Konaté for their next match against Brentford remains to be seen.