Liverpool’s massive deal to sign Premier League star takes major step forward after £35m transfer collapse…

Liverpool has reportedly reached out regarding Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes following the collapse of his transfer to Atletico Madrid.

The 25-year-old experienced relegation with Wolves at the conclusion of last season and was anticipated to join Atletico, but a disagreement with agent Jorge Mendes caused the deal to fall apart.

The £34 million (€40m) transfer was considered a fair price in the current market; however, the Spanish club opted to pursue Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand instead.

According to Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, both Liverpool and Manchester United have contacted Wolves to inquire about the potential cost and structure of a deal.

Liverpool is in need of a defensive midfielder, while United is seeking alternatives after stepping back from a deal for Atalanta’s Ederson, making the connections to both clubs plausible.

Globo is recognized for its reliability regarding Brazilian players, and Gomes would be a player with proven Premier League experience that Liverpool could sign at a reasonable price.

Additionally, Felipe Silva from ESPN Brasil has mentioned that Liverpool is “looking” at Gomes in response to a comment on X, following reports of United’s interest.

Who is Joao Gomes – would he fit in at Liverpool?

Last season, he made 35 league appearances for a struggling Wolves team and was highly praised for his urgency and aggression, traits that Andoni Iraola will find essential.

Gomes was voted the best player of the season by both fans and teammates, indicating his commitment even during a relegation battle that concluded with only three victories.

According to Opta, Gomes ranked in the top 13 percent for possession won among midfielders in the top five European leagues over the past 15 years, and in the top 12 percent for defensive actions.

He was included in Brazil’s preliminary World Cup squad but was ultimately overlooked in favor of Casemiro and Fabinho, which is not a strong endorsement considering both are well into their 30s.

Player Profile: Joao Gomes

Name: Joao Gomes

DOB: February 12, 2001 (25)

Height: 5’9″ (176cm)

POB: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Club: Wolves

Position: Central Midfielder

Foot: Right

Market Value: £38m

At 25 years old, he has accumulated a total of 10 yellow cards in the 2025/26 season and is not known for being a progressive passer, which means he may not be the ideal player to break down a low block—a quality that Liverpool is currently seeking.

However, if Liverpool and Manchester United express interest in acquiring him, Wolves could anticipate a bidding war that might alleviate their financial losses following relegation to the Championship.

In 2022, while Liverpool scouts were reportedly monitoring his performance, he stated to ESPN: “Liverpool is a team I would love to play for. I have a strong desire to join them.”

“Competing in the Champions League is my ultimate aspiration in football.”

Gomes transitioned from Flamengo to Wolves in January 2023 and has since made 130 appearances. He has also earned 10 senior caps for the Brazilian national team.