Report: Liverpool leading the race for highly-rated Premier League midfielder | OneFootball

Liverpool Edge Closer to Joao Gomes Signing – But is He the Right Fit?

Liverpool’s summer transfer business looks set to begin with the signing of Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, according to reports from Brazilian outlet Gazete do Urubu. With the club reeling from their UEFA Champions League exit, a squad overhaul appears inevitable, and Gomes could be a major part of Arne Slot’s plans for next season.

Defensive Midfield in Focus

Liverpool’s midfield has been largely stable this season, but the Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain exposed a glaring issue. In both legs, the Reds struggled to regain possession against a team efficient in ball retention. While Wataru Endo has been a steady presence, he has not entirely convinced Slot as a first-choice defensive midfielder, particularly against elite opposition.

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Gomes, however, offers an intriguing solution. The 24-year-old is one of the most effective ball-winners in Europe, ranking in the 97th percentile for tackles among midfielders in the top five leagues. That kind of defensive tenacity could be precisely what Liverpool need, especially with Endo turning 32 next season and a need for fresh legs in the middle of the park.

The Financial Aspect

Reports suggest that Gomes would cost around €60m, a significant investment considering Liverpool’s other transfer priorities this summer. Gazete do Urubu reports that Flamengo, his former club, have a 14% sell-on clause, making this a deal of keen interest in Brazil as well.

The fee may raise eyebrows, especially given that Liverpool are expected to overhaul their attack and potentially reinforce their defence. However, Gomes’s impact at Wolves has been undeniable. Despite their struggles in the Premier League this season, he has enhanced his reputation as one of the league’s most combative midfielders.

A Perfect Fit for Slot’s System?

Arne Slot’s tactical approach at Feyenoord was built around midfielders who combined intensity with technical ability. Gomes appears to fit that mould—he is aggressive, disciplined, and progressive in his passing. If Liverpool secure his signature, he could become a crucial part of their pressing structure and defensive transitions.

That said, Liverpool’s midfield rebuild last summer saw the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch. Adding another midfielder begs the question: is Gomes a replacement for Endo or a complementary piece? With the reported squad overhaul expected, his signing may signal a shift in Liverpool’s midfield dynamics under Slot.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans will naturally be excited by the potential signing of Joao Gomes, but some may wonder whether this is the most pressing area for reinforcement. The struggles against PSG stemmed as much from the lack of cutting-edge in attack as from midfield battles. If €60m is spent on Gomes, what does that mean for Liverpool’s pursuit of attacking options?

At the same time, Gomes’s ability to break up play and impose himself physically would be a major asset, particularly against sides that dominate possession. His combative style would provide extra protection for Liverpool’s backline, allowing more freedom for Mac Allister and Szoboszlai to drive forward.

With Manchester United also linked, this could be a crucial moment for Liverpool to move decisively in the transfer market. If the deal is close to completion, as reported, Gomes could be an early signal of the direction Slot wants to take his midfield—a more tenacious, defensively astute unit capable of controlling games against the very best.