Gomez to miss start of season – but will it impact Liverpool’s transfer plans?

Joe Gomez’s latest injury setback will sideline Liverpool’s most reliable defender for the season’s opening weeks, but the Reds’ transfer strategy remains unchanged. The 27-year-old was withdrawn early in last weekend’s friendly against Sunderland after complaining of a muscle problem, and Andoni Iraola has confirmed he will miss the Premier League opener against Newcastle on 23 August. The Liverpool head coach described it as “not massive” but still expects Gomez to be “some weeks off,” with a recovery window closer to a month rather than days.

Why Gomez’s absence won’t shift Liverpool’s priorities

Liverpool’s transfer focus this summer has been on replacing Mohamed Salah, not shoring up defence. Sky Sports News’ Vinny O’Connor reports that Iraola’s side are set to make a formal approach to Paris Saint-Germain for Bradley Barcola, a direct replacement for the outgoing Egypt forward. The club’s hierarchy have made clear their preference for a wide forward, not a centre-back, despite the defensive absences. Virgil van Dijk’s return from post-World Cup fatigue will ease the short-term burden, while Ibrahima Konaté and Joel Matip remain fit enough to cover until Gomez regains match sharpness.

Gomez’s injury is viewed as transient, with Iraola suggesting he could return before the next international break rather than the season’s first fixture. That timeline aligns with Liverpool’s broader squad planning, which has centred on Barcola’s signature rather than defensive reinforcements. The Reds’ recruitment team have already identified their primary target in the wide position, leaving little room for deviation unless Barcola’s price escalates beyond their valuation.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Vinícius Júnior adds another layer to the race

Liverpool’s interest in Barcola is now part of a three-way contest involving Arsenal, who are also monitoring the PSG winger’s situation. Mikel Arteta’s side are prepared to offer the Brazilian the biggest deal in their history, while Real Madrid’s uncertain stance on his future has intensified speculation. Arsenal’s pursuit complicates Liverpool’s timeline, as the Gunners’ willingness to meet PSG’s valuation could force the Reds to accelerate their approach—or risk losing Barcola to a rival.

Arsenal’s interest in Bruno Guimarães, meanwhile, has been denied by Newcastle, who insist no talks have taken place. The Magpies’ denial does little to dampen speculation, but it underscores the fluidity of this summer’s market. Liverpool, however, have made clear their focus remains on Barcola, with no indication that defensive injuries will prompt a rethink. The club’s transfer business has been methodical, and Gomez’s absence does not alter their long-term blueprint.

The wider context: Liverpool’s squad depth and Iraola’s early challenges

Iraola’s first pre-season fixture ended with another injury concern, as Liverpool laboured to a win over Wrexham. Rio Ngumoha’s deflected strike secured the victory, but the performance highlighted the challenges of integrating new signings and managing an injury-prone squad. The absence of Gomez, coupled with potential departures like Salah, means Iraola must navigate a congested schedule without the luxury of a fully fit defence.

Jamie Carragher has argued that Liverpool do not need Barcola and should instead prioritise replacing Salah, but the club’s hierarchy appear unconvinced. Carragher’s stance reflects a broader debate about Liverpool’s transfer policy, yet the club’s actions suggest they remain committed to Barcola as their preferred solution. The question now is whether PSG will demand a premium that forces Liverpool to reconsider—or whether the Reds can land their man before the window slams shut.

For now, Gomez’s injury is a short-term inconvenience rather than a strategic obstacle. Liverpool’s transfer plans are built around Barcola, and the club’s recruitment team have shown little inclination to deviate from that path. The next fortnight will reveal whether Iraola’s side can secure their target before the Premier League curtain rises—or if the market’s volatility forces a late pivot.