'Klopp Promised Him' - Pundit Reveals Why Liverpool Star Stayed At The Club

Former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has promised Joe Gomez increased game time next season.

Gomez put pen to paper on a new long-term contract with the Reds earlier this month.

The 25-year-old had just two years remaining on his deal, but has now committed to the Merseyside club until 2027. 

The centre-back had been the subject of interest from Aston Villa, with Steven Gerrard looking to prize him away and offer him regular minutes, but the England international opted to stay at Anfield.

Former England keeper and now pundit Robinon has claimed that Gomez’ decision to remain in the North West must have been driven by promises around his game time made to him by Klopp.

“I think he’s obviously got a great relationship with Jurgen Klopp,” he told Football Insider. 

“Klopp has promised him that there is some kind of future there, and I think it’s a fantastic signing for Liverpool.

“They’ve secured their asset for the next five years, and they go into next season with four top-class centre-halves.

“It’s brilliant because if he plays then they have the player they wanted, but if he only plays a bit-part role- his value will only go up."

"They could have a £50-£60 million centre half on their hands.”

Gomez arrived at Liverpool in the summer of 2015 from Charlton for a fee believed to be in the region of £3.5 million.

He has made 142 appearances for the club across seven seasons but has fallen down the pecking order since sustaining a lengthy injury early in the 2020/21 season.

The likes of Virjil Van Dijk, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate find themselves ahead of the 11-time capped Englishman, who will be looking to work himself back into the Liverpool first team picture ahead of this winter’s World Cup in Qatar.

Having only featured in eight of the Reds’ Premier League fixtures last season, Gomez will be desperate for more game time in the upcoming campaign and as Robinson pointed out, he must have had assurances of this before signing his new deal.