EPL Index
·21 February 2026
Report: Liverpool star set to leave this summer with Serie A giants interested

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·21 February 2026

Liverpool’s summer looks set to bring defensive change, and Joe Gomez appears central to that recalibration. According to Caught Offside, the England international is edging towards the exit door, with AC Milan emerging as the leading contenders for his signature.
As reported, “Milan are considered by most sources to be the ‘frontrunners’ for the 28-year-old, while Bayern would probably only pursue him as an alternative if other targets don’t work out.” That single line captures both the opportunity and the uncertainty surrounding Gomez. He is admired across Europe, yet rarely the headline act.
With just one year left on his contract at the end of the season, Liverpool’s stance feels pragmatic. The club have a decision to make, sentiment weighed against sustainability.

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Caught Offside cite a well placed source who sheds light on Liverpool’s thinking. “Liverpool are keen to reshape their back line with younger, specialist profiles,” they reported. “Gomez is no longer seen as indispensable but rather as a valuable market asset. With his contract expiring in 2027, the summer of 2026 is viewed as the last major opportunity for the club to secure a significant transfer fee.”
It is a revealing assessment. Gomez has been trusted across the back line, centre half, right back, left back, even as emergency cover during injury crises. Yet versatility can be a blessing and a burden. In an era increasingly shaped by tactical precision, clubs crave specialists.
Arne Slot is expected to refine Liverpool’s defensive identity. There is a sense that evolution, not revolution, will define his summer, but certain departures may provide clarity in recruitment.
Interest from Milan feels credible. The Serie A giants are rebuilding with experience blended alongside youth, and Gomez fits that model. At 28, he combines Champions League pedigree with Premier League resilience.
Bayern Munich’s interest appears conditional. As noted, they would only move if alternative targets fail to materialise. That speaks volumes about market hierarchy.
Domestically, West Ham and Brighton are also monitoring developments. Yet Caught Offside acknowledge a significant caveat, the Hammers would struggle to attract a player of Gomez’s standing if relegated to the Championship.

Gomez’s salary, understood to be around £4.5 million per year, is another decisive element. Clubs across Europe are increasingly cautious, balancing ambition with wage discipline. For a defender whose career has been punctuated by serious injuries, that figure will prompt careful scrutiny.
Liverpool’s calculation is equally clear. A player entering the final year of his deal carries diminishing resale value. Cashing in now would align with modern squad management principles.
Gomez has never agitated publicly for a move. He has accepted rotation, contributed when called upon, and carried himself with quiet professionalism. Yet ambition matters. A fresh challenge in Milan or Munich could offer him regular football and renewed momentum.
Liverpool supporters may feel conflicted. Gomez has been part of title winning squads, a dependable presence in high stakes moments. But elite clubs are defined by timing as much as talent.
If this is the moment to part ways, it will be shaped less by emotion and more by strategic clarity.
For Liverpool supporters, this report feels realistic rather than dramatic. Gomez has given years of service, filled gaps across the defence, and rarely complained about his role. That earns respect.
However, the squad is entering a new phase. If Slot wants younger, specialist defenders, then difficult decisions must follow. Gomez’s injury history cannot be ignored, nor can the financial logic of selling before his contract winds down further.
There is also the question of ceiling. Has Gomez reached his peak at Anfield? Many fans would argue he has been solid but seldom transformative. If Milan are ready to offer regular football and a healthy fee, it could suit all parties.
The key will be succession planning. Supporters will accept Gomez’s departure if recruitment is sharp and ambitious. Letting him go without strengthening properly would feel careless. Managed correctly, this could be smart evolution rather than unnecessary loss.









































