Liverpool need midfield reinforcements, and Wolves‘ Joao Gomes has emerged as a possible option, with the Brazilian ticking the box as a ball winner.
Andoni Iraola acknowledged the need for “more players” during his first press conference, and insisted the club are “working on it.”
The areas to address are plentiful and a new defensive midfielder ought to be considered a must, with Liverpool needing legs and a player capable of breaking up play.
Reports in Brazil claimed Liverpool had initiated contact for Gomes after his £34 million (€40m) move to Atletico Madrid collapsed.
With the help of FotMob, we take a closer look at the 25-year-old and whether he would be the right fit at Anfield.
Who is Joao Gomes?
Gomes has been in the Premier League for the last three-and-a-half seasons with Wolves, accumulating 130 appearances in all competitions since joining from Flamengo in January 2023.
The midfielder is a product of Flamengo’s academy, making his professional debut at 19 in 2020. Notably, he was key in their Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil triumphs in 2022.
The 25-year-old has 10 caps for Brazil, earning his first a year after moving to England.
Carlo Ancelotti, however, overlooked Gomes for the World Cup after initially being named in the preliminary squad, with Fabinho and Casemiro opted for instead.
He admitted he did not know a word of English on his move from Brazil, but he learned quickly despite a stammer and settled into life at Wolves.
A move to Atletico Madrid was expected this summer, but it fell through due to a disagreement with his representative, Jorge Mendes, leaving the door open for another club.
Joao Gomes: Strengths and weaknesses
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)
Gomes, when he is not suspended for accumulating yellow cards, has proven availability is one of his assets, with no injury record in his career to date.
This is despite his aggressive and physical style of play which earned him the nickname ‘Pitbull’ at Wolves.
“I think the way I play goes hand in hand with the league’s pace. The matches are more physical, there’s more fight over the ball, so I would say so. I think I was born to play here,” he told Wolves’ official website.
Strengths
He is press-resistant, highlighted by his average of 1.37 dribbles per 90 in the Premier League last season, which sees him rank in the top three percent of all central midfielders.
While he does not accumulate high passing numbers, mostly due to Wolves not dominating possession, he instigates attacks by winning and retaining the ball before progressing it up the pitch.
He is comfortable and confident in tight spaces, and his defensive positioning saw him win 7.18 duels per 90 (top 10 percent), and rack up 12 defensive actions per 90 (top 14 percent).
Player Profile: Joao Gomes
Name: Joao GomesDOB: Feb 12, 2001 (25)Height: 5’9″ (176cm)POB: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Club: WolvesPosition: Central MidfielderFoot: RightMarket Value: £38m
As for recoveries, the number of times a player successfully regains possession, Gomes ranks in the top 11 percent (6.16 per 90), owing to his front-foot nature.
They are all qualities Iraola would want in his midfield after emphasising that his team needs to be “intense” and “aggressive.”
Weaknesses
Liverpool have been crying out for a physical presence in midfield, and Gomes would offer that, but he has shortcomings as well.
His aggressiveness leads to yellow cards and suspensions; he accumulated the joint fifth-most in the league last season (10), and it can also drag him out of position.
At 5’9″, he would not be adding any height to Liverpool’s midfield, and he struggles in aerial duels, ranking in the bottom 37 percent.
Gomes is also not a chance creator with his passing like Adam Wharton is. For example, the Palace midfielder averaged 1.55 chances created per 90, while Gomes racked up 0.51 per 90.
It would not be a deal breaker, but Liverpool would need to decide if it is his defensive capabilities they need or if a progressive passer who can unlock a low block is best at No. 6.
Is Joao Gomes the right fit for Iraola?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 27, 2025: Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong (R) is challenged by Wolverhampton Wanderers' João Gomes during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
There is a lot to like about Gomes, who also has leadership qualities as one of three ‘captains’ supporting Toti at Wolves.
A release clause worth £35 million is appealing, which would side-step the staggering inflation in the transfer market at present. And we know how much Liverpool like triggering one.
Gomes is an enforcer who would adapt quickly to Iraola’s demands to be high up the pitch and on the front foot, but his passing and taking care of the ball would be areas to improve.
In his three-and-a-half years in the Premier League, he has shown enough development in a struggling Wolves side to put faith in, and their Championship relegation leaves the door wide open.
The question for Liverpool is whether they want a player closer to the whole package when investing in defensive midfield, though that would come at a higher premium.
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