The star was keen to sign for Liverpool, but is now joining Aston Villa instead

Aston Villa are closing in on a deal for Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, but it has now been reported that he actually wanted to move to Liverpool.

The Brazilian midfielder has quietly developed into one of the Premier League’s most reliable ball-winners, and at 25, he is entering what should be the best years of his life.

Since arriving at Flamengo in January 2023, he has made 130 appearances for Wolves, scoring 8 goals and providing six assists despite playing as a defensive midfielder.

He also came to England with a wonderful pedigree. Gomes won the Copa Libertadores with Flamengo in 2022 before making his Brazil debut, establishing himself as one of his country’s brightest young midfielders.

Adapting to the Premier League is never easy, however he quickly became one of Wolves’ most reliable players and was always one of the first names on the team sheet.

Could he have made Liverpool better? Maybe, but only in a certain role.

Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister already provide quality on the ball, while Dominik Szoboszlai, who recently penned a new long-term deal, provides energy up front.

Gomes would have added another level of aggression and ability to win balls, giving Liverpool more protection in difficult away games or against strong European opponents.

That’s why the Aston Villa move makes so much sense.

Gomes ticks all the boxes, and replacing a player like Youri Tielemans is never straightforward, but the Brazilian brings a different energy. He covers large areas of the field, cuts off attacks and allows his smart teammates a lot of freedom higher up the field.

According to WhoScored, only Joao Palhinha and Everton’s James Garner rated more players out of 90 in the Premier League last season than the South American, which tells you all you need to know.

It makes sense that the next step would now come at Villa Park rather than Anfield, but that wasn’t always the player’s wish.

Joao Gomes wanted a Liverpool transfer before completing a move to Aston Villa

According to Football Transfers, Liverpool were offered the chance to sign Gomes but decided to pursue a deal, instead making Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton their first target.

This was despite the fact that Gomes himself was very keen to sign for Andoni Iraola’s club at the time.

That decision opened the door for Villa, who has since quickly agreed a deal worth around £35 million with Wolves. Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed Villa’s deal, with Gomes now filling the void to complete the move.

The report suggests that Liverpool’s recruitment team respects Gomes but ultimately believes that Wharton is better suited to the long-term direction of the club.

For Villa, it represents an important part of the business following the departure of the Tielemans. Emery was looking for a proven Premier League midfielder who could come in and contribute quickly, and Gomes fits that profile perfectly.

Liverpool fans may wonder if the club have missed an opportunity, but Wharton would be an excellent addition if they can afford his £100m asking price.

Whether that is the right decision will be clear when Gomes starts life at Villa Park.