Yahoo Sports Revealed: Liverpool 'really like' Brazil midfielder star who has already said he's open to Anfield move
Liverpool ‘really like’ Wolves star Joao Gomes although a central midfielder is NOT believed to be high on the list of transfer priorities at Anfield this summer.
That’s according to renowned transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, who claims it’s more likely that a central defender or a winger arrives on Merseyside during this window.
Gomes, 23, started all four of Brazil’s matches at the Copa America having broken into the squad earlier this year and now boasts 10 caps overall.
Liverpool are known to be long-term admirers of the central midfielder, having first tracked him during his Flamengo days.
He was a Copa Libertadores champion in 2022 with his boyhood club before a £15 million move took him to Wolves.
The Premier League side fought off rival interest from French giants Lyon to land his signature, securing the player to a contract until 2028.
Gomes open to Liverpool move
Liverpool were reported to be in for Gomes earlier this year with the club believing he would be a good fit for the style of football planned by incoming head coach Arne Slot.
Last season Gomes played 34 times in the top flight for Wolves and has now appeared in 49 matches overall for Gary O’Neil’s team.
Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes:
"Liverpool are a team I’d play for. I have the greatest desire to play. Playing in the Champions League is my biggest dream and that of my family, my biggest dream in football." #lfc [espn brasil]
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) September 18, 2022
Gomes is known to be open to the idea of a move to Liverpool, describing playing in the Champions League as his main ambition back in September 2022.
"Liverpool are a team I’d play for," he told ESPN Brasil. "Playing in the Champions League is my biggest dream and that of my family, my biggest dream in football."
However, according to reports, the Reds face competition for their midfield target from Manchester United and West Ham.
Midfield 'not a priority'
Liverpool conducted a midfield overhaul last summer with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch all arriving at the club.
However at times it appeared that Japan international Endo was the only viable option at No.6, meaning cover in the market would be required.
Jacobs, in his GIVEMESPORT Transfer Mailbag, confirmed that Liverpool were interested in Gomes and described the deal as ‘one to watch’ in the near future.
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“Midfield is not as high on their list of priorities as a centre-back and wide player,” Jacobs disclosed.
“But, I don’t think we can entirely rule it out and Liverpool really like Joao Gomes as well, so that could be one to watch in the coming months. But for now, midfield is not the priority.”
