Wolves are closing in on the €17million (£14.9m) signing of exciting Flamengo midfield Joao Gomes, according to reliable journalist John Percy.
The Lowdown: Gomes strongly linked with move
In recent weeks, numerous reports have linked the 21-year-old with a move to Molineux, as Julen Lopetegui looks for fresh blood in the middle of the park.
Gomes is a highly-rated young prospect who has been catching the eye for Flamengo, already making 117 appearances and shining in a disciplined role.
There had been concerns a deal may fall short with Ligue 1 outfit Lyon swooping in with a higher bid, but it now looks as though Wolves may have got their man, following a significant update.
The Latest: Signing nearly completed
Taking to Twitter, Percy claimed that the move is set to be announced at some point next week once a medical is completed:
“Wolves are set to complete the €17m signing of Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes. Gomes is expected to fly in for his medical early next week. Big signing for Julen Lopetegui.”
The Verdict: Shrewd midfield addition
This is an exciting piece of transfer business for Wolves, with Gomes someone who can come in and add legs and quality in a crucial area of the pitch.
In 29 Brazilian Serie A appearances this season, the youngster has enjoyed an 87.8% pass completion rate, which is only bettered by Nathan Collins (89%) at Wolves in 2022/23, of those to have made more than one Premier League start.
Gomes’ average of 3.2 tackles per game also highlights his off-the-ball influence and he could be a great foil for someone like Ruben Neves, freeing the Portuguese maestro to be a little more adventurous in attack, hopefully allowing him to register his first league assist of the season.
At 21, the Flamengo man is also a long-term signing for Wolves, and Lopetegui could see him as an influential piece of his jigsaw for many years to come.