Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has reaffirmed his commitment to the club, dismissing interest from newly promoted Leeds United and Sunderland, according to Football Insider. The 28-year-old, who has been with the Reds since 2015, is happy at Anfield and eager to play a significant role under manager Arne Slot in the 2025-26 season. With Jarell Quansah set to join Bayer Leverkusen for an estimated £25 million, Gomez’s versatility and experience make him a vital asset, despite a challenging 2024-25 season marred by injury. Leeds and Sunderland, desperate for defensive reinforcements, face an uphill battle to lure the 15-cap England international away from Merseyside.
Leeds United and Sunderland, both promoted to the Premier League for 2025-26, are targeting defenders with top-flight experience to bolster their survival bids. Leeds, under Daniel Farke, have already signed Udinese’s Jaka Bijol for £10 million but seek a versatile defender to replace Junior Firpo, who is set to join Real Betis, per Leeds Live. Sunderland, managed by Régis Le Bris, are pursuing experienced players like Jordan Henderson and now Gomez to complement their youthful squad. Football Insider notes that both clubs see Gomez’s 141 Premier League appearances and ability to play multiple positions as ideal, but his happiness at Liverpool makes a move a “non-starter.”TEAMtalk reports that Leeds enquired about a loan deal, hoping to capitalize on Gomez’s limited minutes last season, while Sunderland explored a permanent transfer, per The Northern Echo. However, Gomez’s contract until June 2027, with a £85,000 weekly wage (Spotrac), and his integral role in Slot’s squad deter both clubs. An X post from @LFCTransferRoomon June 26, 2025, stated, “Joe Gomez is staying put. Leeds and Sunderland have no chance”.
Liverpool fans are united in their support for Gomez staying, with @LFCDaytripperson X stating, “Joe’s loyalty and versatility are huge for us. Leeds and Sunderland can dream on”. Leeds supporters, per @LeedsUnitedYorks, see Gomez as a “pipe dream” but hope for a loan, while Sunderland fans on @SunderlandAFCFan are skeptical, citing his high wages. Pundit Jamie Carragher, on Sky Sports (June 25, 2025), called Gomez “crucial for Liverpool’s depth,” urging him to stay. Challenges for Leeds and Sunderland include Gomez’s contentment and Liverpool’s thin defensive options, with The Sun noting that only a “huge offer” would tempt the Reds.
The main hurdle for Gomez is staying fit, given his injury history—missing 21 games in 2024-25. For Leeds and Sunderland, attracting a player of Gomez’s caliber without European football is tough, with both clubs pivoting to alternatives like Aston Villa’s Alex Moreno and Leicester’s Conor Coady.
For Liverpool, retaining Gomez ensures depth and flexibility, critical for a title defense and European campaign. His ability to play across the backline mitigates the loss of Quansah and potential injuries to van Dijk or Konate. For Gomez, staying at Anfield offers a chance to reclaim a starting role and add to his trophy haul, though he must overcome fitness issues to secure a regular spot. Leeds and Sunderland, meanwhile, must look elsewhere to bolster their defenses, with their Premier League survival hinging on swift signings before their openers against West Ham and Tottenham.
As of June 26, 2025, Joe Gomez’s loyalty to Liverpool, as reported by Football Insider, quashes hopes of moves to Leeds United or Sunderland. With Jarell Quansah’s exit to Bayer Leverkusen looming, Gomez’s role as a versatile senior defender under Arne Slot is secure, bolstered by his 241 appearances and contract until 2027. As the transfer window progresses to September 1, 2025, Leeds and Sunderland face a tough task to land Premier League-caliber defenders, while Gomez aims to stay fit and cement his place in Liverpool’s plans for a trophy-laden season.