Facundo Pellistri of Uruguay fights for the ball with Joao Gomes of Brazil during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 match between Uruguay and Brazil at Allegiant Stadium on July 06, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
João Gomes has become one of the hot names in the 2026 summer transfer window following Wolverhampton Wanderers’ relegation from the Premier League.
The financial difficulties of entering the Championship made the sale of their most valuable asset almost impossible. Gomes, a Brazilian midfielder known for his “do it all” style, has continued to impress despite Wolves’ poor season, attracting the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs.
At the age of 25, Gomes is determined to confirm his place in the Brazilian national team before the World Cup and is not interested in playing in the second division. His departure now seems a certainty.
Joao Gomes is a wanted player
Sources informed Caughtoffside that Atletico Madrid have already started making contact, while Liverpool, Manchester United, and Crystal Palace are monitoring developments closely.
Initially, Wolves valued Gomes at around £60 million, but the drop forced them to lower expectations. Current market dynamics suggest that a fee in the region of €45–50 million is more realistic. While this represents a financial loss compared to their original valuation, it will provide a significant injection of capital to the championship-level budget.
Man United and Liverpool are Gomes’ plot
Manchester United view Gomes as a cost-effective replacement for Casemiro, bringing energy and aggression to the midfielder. Liverpool admire his pressing ability and energy, with reports suggesting Gomes himself is open to a move to Anfield.
Atletico Madrid see him as a perfect fit for Diego Simeone’s midfield philosophy, while Crystal Palace are trying to lure him with the promise of guaranteed playing time and the chance to stay in the Premier League.
Gomes has a contract with Wolves until 2030, but relegation has weakened the club’s negotiating position. He currently earns £105,000 a week and is expected to demand a pay rise, as well as guarantees of regular football at the next level. No official bids have been submitted yet, but once the transfer window opens, Wolves are expected to face a number of offers.
The most likely scenario is for Gomes to remain in the Premier League, with United or Liverpool leading the chase for around £40 million. Atletico Madrid are still a strong option, and a loan deal with an option to buy is considered unlikely.
In short, João Gomes is set to be the most lucrative “transfer opportunity” of the summer. Wolves’ relegation has opened the way for the European giants to secure the reliable midfielder at a cut price, making him one of the most sought-after names on the market.
