Wolves transfer deal could now be off at final hour as hijack attempted for Liverpool target

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly been dealt a crushing blow in their pursuit of Flamengo wonderkid Joao Gomes as another team is said to have swooped in at the final moment. It is claimed that the Brazilian’s current club is yet to agree to a sale as another offer has been submitted.

It had previously been widely stated that Wolves were set to bring the midfielder to Molineux imminently with the transfer all but completed. But that has now been scuppered, it seems, as Julen Lopetegui’s side have been hit with a dramatic late turn in events.

Vene Casagrande, a reputable Brazilian journalist, reports: “Flamengo has not yet signed the sale of João Gomes to Wolverhampton, England, because an offer from Lyon for the midfielder has arisen. French team proposed something “a little better” to Fla and delayed the process with the English team. Trend that solves today.”

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.

Wolves have already signed two players in the January transfer window, as Matheus Cunha was brought in from Atletico Madrid and Mario Lemina headed to Molineux from Ligue 1 side Nice. Wanderers are also expected to sign Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Pablo Sarabia in the coming days. Supporters will hope that deal, and the Gomes one, can both get across the line.