(Football news) Wolves have agreed a £15 million deal with Flamengo for midfielder Joao Gomes. The deal was on hold after Flamengo had accepted a bid from Lyon but Gomes refused to join the French club as he was determined to play in the Premier League. Lyon had hijacked Wolves’ bid for Gomes, but the player stood firm in his determination to complete his move to Molineux. Gomes is set to become the Wolves’ fifth signing of the winter transfer window, with Julen Lopetegui also getting the deals done for Matheus Cunha, Craig Dawson, Pablo Sarabia and Mario Lemina.
The 21-year-old had previously been linked with Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United. According to the South American football reporter Tim Vickery, the Red Devils considered making a move for Gomes when Andreas Pereira was on loan at Flamengo last season. However, United’s decision to sell Pereira to Fulham in the summer put a close to any potential approach for Gomes. The young Brazilian has also spoken to the media about his desire to play for Liverpool and was subsequently linked with them also.
For now Gomes is happy to settle for a Premier League relegation battle with Wolves who are only out of the drop zone because of a superior goal difference. Wolves’ next match sees them take on Liverpool at Molineux in the Premier League on 4th February. Gomes is set to sign a five-and-a-half year contract and will arrive in the Midlands early next week to complete the switch ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
Gomes is a product of the Flamengo youth system and is considered one of the brightest young talents in Brazil. He has already won a number of honours at club level which includes the Copa Libertadores which he won last year. This is going to be Wolves’ most likely the final signing of a busy first transfer window for Lopetegui, which has seen the club spend more than £75 m in transfer fees as they are in an intense battle against relegation from the Premier League.
Responding to rumours of an Anfield switch, Gomes said in September: “Liverpool are a team I’d play for. I have the greatest desire to play.Playing in the Champions League is my biggest dream and that of my family, my biggest dream in football.”
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