Liverpool deal ‘just got more complicated’ after agreement reached
Liverpool have been dealt a fresh blow in their pursuit of Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the Reds may be forced to consider alternative targets or wait beyond the summer to secure Gomes’ signing.
This comes after the midfielder signed a new five-year deal at Molineux on 1 April – a decision which came as a surprise to many.
Wolves all but secured their Premier League status for next season after a 2-1 win against Ipswich at Portman Road to move 12 points clear of the relegation zone.
Sources say their survival may not be enough to convince their best players to stay, after industry insider Mick Brown told Football Insider Man United and Liverpool want to sign Gomes.
However, with the future of Matheus Cunha also up in the air, Wolves are determined not to lose both Cunha and Gomes given their importance to Vitor Pereira’s side.
Liverpool hit road block in Joao Gomes pursuit
Football Insider revealed on 18 January that Liverpool view Gomes as the “perfect signing” and planned to make a move in the summer transfer window.
However, a new deal has put the Black Country side in the drivers’ seat with regard to his future and they are not willing to let him go this summer.
This comes amid speculation about the future of Cunha, who recently admitted he has ambitions of winning trophies and playing for bigger clubs.
Brown told Football Insider in February that Cunha is likely to leave Wolves despite signing a new deal in January, while Nottingham Forest want to sign the Brazil international.
As the forward’s future remains uncertain, the Wolves board and Pereira are keen not to see too many of their key players leave ahead of another potential relegation battle.
Arne Slot eyes move to sign Joao Gomes alternative
Liverpool are considering a number of alternatives to Gomes as they aim to strengthen their midfield ahead of the summer window, including Brighton star Carlos Baleba.
Brown told Football Insider in February that Liverpool could pay mega money for Baleba as they are willing to spend big on their primary targets.
Brighton have previously held out for huge fees for the likes of Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella and Ben White, and plan to do so again with the sale of Baleba.
Liverpool have been keen to strengthen in midfield since Arne Slot arrived at the club, but have so far been unable to find a player who fits their ideal profile.
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