WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - Tuesday, March 3, 2026: Wolverhampton Wanderers' João Gomes during the FA Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Liverpool FC at Molineux Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - Tuesday, March 3, 2026: Wolverhampton Wanderers' João Gomes during the FA Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Liverpool FC at Molineux Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool have reportedly initiated contact for Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes after his proposed move to Atletico Madrid collapsed.
The 25-year-old was relegated with Wolves at the end of last season and was expected to move to Atletico before a disagreement with agent Jorge Mendes saw it fall through.
The £34 million (€40m) deal represented good value in the current market, but the Spanish side instead turned to Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand.
Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte has since claimed that Liverpool and Man United have contacted Wolves to enquire about the cost and structure of a potential deal.
Liverpool are known to need a defensive midfielder, and United need to pursue alternatives after backing away from a deal for Atalanta’s Ederson, meaning links to the two clubs are easy to make.
However, Globo are known to be reliable when it comes to Brazilian players, and Gomes would be a Premier League-proven player that Liverpool could affordably sign.
Moreover, ESPN Brasil’s Felipe Silva has also stated that Liverpool are “looking” at Gomes in response to a comment on X after reporting United’s interest.
Who is Joao Gomes – would he suit Liverpool?
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - Tuesday, March 3, 2026: Liverpool's Joe Gomez and Wolverhampton Wanderers' João Gomes (R) arguing during the FA Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Liverpool FC at Molineux Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - Tuesday, March 3, 2026: Liverpool's Joe Gomez and Wolverhampton Wanderers' João Gomes (R) arguing during the FA Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Liverpool FC at Molineux Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
He made 35 league outings last season for a struggling Wolves side and was highly regarded for his urgency and aggression, qualities that Andoni Iraola will need.
Gomes was voted as Wolves‘ best player of the season by the fans and his teammates, highlighting that he did not see himself above a relegation battle in a campaign that ended with only three wins.
As per Opta, last season Gomes ranked in the top 13 percent for possession won compared to midfielders in the top five European leagues over the last 15 years, and in the top 12 percent for defensive actions.
He was named in Brazil’s preliminary squad for the World Cup but was overlooked for Casemiro and Fabinho, which is not a resounding endorsement given the pair are well into their 30s.
Player Profile: Joao Gomes
The 25-year-old does accumulate yellow cards (10 in 2025/26) and is not a progressive passer, meaning he would not be the one to unlock a low block, which is a trait the Reds need.
But if Liverpool and Man United are interested in a deal, Wolves could hope for a bidding war to help combat their losses after being relegated to the Championship.
In 2022, with Liverpool scouts reportedly keeping an eye on him, he told ESPN: “Liverpool are a team I’d play for. I have the greatest desire to play.”
“Playing in the Champions League is my biggest dream in football.”
Gomes moved from Flamengo to Wolves in January 2023 and has played 130 times. He also has 10 senior caps for Brazil.
Football – FA Premier League – Manchester United FC v Liverpool FC
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Sunday, September 1, 2024: Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring the third goal during the FA Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
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