Joao Gomes: Where he ranks in Aston Villa's most expensive signings
Joao Gomes' move to Villa Park appears to have come completely out of the blue, and Aston Villa fans are understandably excited.
The Wolves star's transfer could be announced within days, leaving the relegated club for Unai Emery's side on a £38million deal this summer.
His arrival could be crucial, with Youri Tielemans joining Manchester United for £35m, and Amadou Onana likely spending next season on the treatment table.
Emery's current options are Lamare Bogarde and Victor Lindelof, while Boubacar Kamara is expected to return from injury haead of the new campaign.
Gomes will be a much-needed reinforcement in the middle of the park, but supporters' eyebrows have certainly been raised by the price tag.
The Villans have not been known for splashing the cash very much during Emery's time in charge in B6, especially given the club's financial issues.
Ian Maatsen set to be pushed down Aston Villa pecking order
With the sale of Tielemans, though, some more funds have been freed up for the manager to play around with, and that's exactly what he intends on doing.
At £50m, the injured Onana currently sits top of the pile of Villa's most expensive signings, having joined from Everton in July 2024.
With seven goals in 72 appearances, but a whole host of injury issues, it remains to be seen whether he was worth the eye-watering price tag.
In second is Moussa Diaby, who lasted just one season at Villa Park before joining Al Ittihad, notching 10 goals and nine assists after joining for an initial £34.2m.
With add-ons and bonuses, however, it is believed that Villa may have spent upwards of £51m on the French winger.
Ian Maatsen currently takes third spot, having joined the Europa League winners for £35m, but he will be overtaken when Gomes signs across the dotted line.
Joao Gomes won't make a dent at Wolves
While Villa attempt to splash more cash than usual, Gomes is just a drop in the ocean in terms of the Old Gold's record departures.
Matheus Cunha's move to Manchester United currently takes top spot at £62.5m, followed by Matheus Nunes to Manchester City and Pedro Neto to Chelsea.
In fact, Gomes' move to Villa Park would only rank seventh at Molineux Stadium, overtaking the late Diogo Jota following his move to Liverpool in 2020.
Villa fans have been pushing the owners to invest more heavily on the pitch, but given some of the exit rumours, it's likely to come at a price this summer.