Aston Villa set to sign Joao Gomes, this is how ex-Wolves boss nearly derailed his career

Joao Gomes appears set to be Aston Villa's first signing of the summer transfer window, and just at the right time.

Unai Emery has already lost Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and Amadou Onana to a long-term injury, with multiple others likely to leave.

Supporters at Villa Park have been desperate for some positive news, and the surprise signing of Gomes for £38million has created a lot of excitement.

The 25-year-old was relegated with Wolves last season, but as one of Rob Edwards' best performers, he was always likely to seek an exit.

Despite strong interest from Atletico Madrid, the Villans have won the race for his signature, with the midfielder already on his way to complete a medical.

It is exactly the kind of news that Villa needed right now, and a huge move for the player. But his career could have had a completely different trajectory.

Julen Lopetegui nearly stunted Joao Gomes' career

Gomes became one of the fiercest defensive midfielders in the Premier League, never afraid of putting in a challenge, even picking up 10 yellow cards last term.

However, while Julen Lopetegui was in charge during the 2022-23 season, the player really struggled for minutes at Molineux Stadium.

In fact, with just 11 appearances in all competitions, fans took it upon themselves to start a campaign called 'Free Joao Gomes' simply because Lopetegui wouldn't play him.

Obviously, it was a very wrong move from the former West Ham United boss, with Gomes going on to become a key figure for the Old Gold, and Lopetegui leaving his position.

The manager clearly didn't believe enough in the player, and had Gary O'Neil not come aboard, Villa's soon-to-be signing's career would have looked very different.

Aston Villa fans will love new signing's nickname

Gomes has quickly gained a reputation as a hard battler in the middle of the park, even doing enough to earn a call-up to the Brazil national team.

Sadly, he wasn't included in Carlo Ancelotti's 2026 World Cup squad, but it is only a matter of time before he becomes a regular on the international stage.

Nicknamed 'The Pitbull' because of his relentless pressing, tackling, and ability to win the ball back, Gomes has a lot to offer at Villa Park.

He also ranks in the top two per cent of centre-midfielders in the Premier League for dribbling success, clearly marking him as an Onana replacement for the season ahead.