Wolves reach ‘full agreement’ to sign wonderkid wanted by Liverpool - as contract terms agreed

Wolverhampton Wanderers are on the verge of completing the signing of wonderkid Joao Gomes from Flamengo, according to a reputable report. The midfielder, who has been on Liverpool’s radar for a while, is set to become the second Brazilian to join Wolves in the Julen Lopetegui era, after Matheus Cunha.

Wanderers’ new head coach has been very vocal about a lack of depth in midfield positions, but he is now expected to have at least two new faces through the door in that position. Reports suggest Juventus and Southampton ace Mario Lemina is close to a move, with a medical said to be booked in, whereas a bid has been lodged for Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Pablo Sarabia.

A new report from transfer news journalist Fabrizio Romano reveals that Wolves are ‘set to sign’ Gomes, with a ‘full agreement’ in place with Flamengo on a €17 million (£15 million) fee. Romano claims a five-year contract is in place for the 21-year-old and that the transfer will be ‘signed in the next hours’.

Wanted by Liverpool previously, the versatile midfielder made it public last year that a move to Anfield would be a dream come true. “Liverpool are a team I’d play for. I have the greatest desire to play,” Gomes wrote on Instagram, reacting to the links to the Reds. “Playing in the Champions league is my biggest dream and that of my family, my biggest dream in football,” Gomes said.

After making his debut for Flamengo in November 2020, aged 19, Gomes has played 119 times in all competitions. In that period he has played 42 matches as a central midfielder, 35 as a defensive anchor, five at left wing and two in a more advanced position. In that period, Gomes has scored four goals and contributed three assists.