Joe Gomez reveals when he almost left LFC – and how Virgil van Dijk stopped it – Liverpool FC

Joe Gomez: Van Dijk Saved Me from Leaving Liverpool

Joe Gomez, Liverpool’s longest-serving current squad member, revealed how his center-back partner, Virgil van Dijk, convinced him not to leave Anfield for new challenges. Despite his integral role in ending Liverpool’s 30-year league title wait in 2019/20, Gomez has struggled with long-term injuries throughout his time with the club. In a recent interview, he mentioned turning down an approach from RB Leipzig before joining Liverpool in 2015 and entertaining thoughts of going on loan just two years later.

Gomez credited Van Dijk’s influence, saying, “Subconsciously, he affected me a lot. I was almost going out on loan when he was supposed to come in the summer of 2017, but then it didn’t happen.” Gomez emphasized the bond he formed with Van Dijk, adding, “I’ve learned a lot from Virg off the pitch. It’s nice to have someone like that to lean upon.”

Van Dijk, Liverpool’s record signing from Southampton in January 2018, became Gomez’s important teammate and friend. Their defensive partnership played a pivotal role in the title-winning season, both on and off the pitch.

Though Gomez has faced injury setbacks and competition from Ibrahima Konate in 2021, he has made the most of his opportunities this season, already registering nine appearances in various competitions in the 2023/24 campaign.