Liverpool are not expected to make a move for Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes despite recent links, with the Brazilian now set to join Aston Villa for £38 million.
Last week, sources in Brazil claimed Liverpool’s interest in Gomes, who saw a switch to Atletico Madrid break down as they instead turned to Morten Hjulmand.
But despite Globo Esporte reporting an enquiry into the finances of a deal, there appears no chance of the 25-year-old joining Andoni Iraola‘s side.
He is instead set to join Aston Villa, with the Birmingham Mail‘s John Townley revealing on Thursday morning that he was travelling for a medical.
Villa have agreed a deal worth £38 million with their Midlands rivals after Wolves were relegated to the Championship.
Gomes has departed Wolves‘ pre-season training camp in Portugal and is now due to undergo medical checks before signing a long-term contract.
Who are Liverpool’s midfield targets this summer?
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 27, 2025: Crystal Palace's Adam c during the FA Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park. Crystal Palace won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The scale of Liverpool’s interest in the Brazil international is unclear, but it is known that they are assessing the wider pool of midfielders ahead of a potential move this summer.
Crystal Palace‘s Adam Wharton was considered a primary target but their interest seems to have cooled, while recent reports have claimed renewed admiration for Manu Kone at AS Roma.
Monaco’s Lamine Camara and Lens’ Mamadou Sangare are two other targets, though any move may be dependent on departures from Iraola’s existing squad.
Which midfielders could Liverpool sell?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Curtis Jones is still wanted by Inter Milan, while Wataru Endo and Stefan Bajcetic have both been touted for an exit as all three midfielders enter the final year of their deals.
Question marks remain over Alexis Mac Allister despite his outstanding performances at the World Cup, with his contract up in 2028 and no talks taking place over an extension.
Mac Allister could become an option again for Real Madrid, though Liverpool would likely demand a significant fee if they were to sell their No. 10 this summer.
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)
Gomes made 130 appearances for Wolves following an €18.7 million move from Flamengo in 2023, and earned a reputation as a tough-tackling midfielder who helped propel attacks from deep.
There was a growing clamour for him to be added to Iraola’s ranks but doubts endured over whether he could offer the all-round quality required from a Liverpool midfielder.