Report: Flamengo plan on replacing Joao Gomes who is garnering a lot of transfer interest from Liverpool
Brazilian club Flamengo are already starting to plan their future without the services of their 21-year-old midfielder Joao Gomes. The defensive-midfielder has been garnering attention from top European clubs including Liverpool, and by the looks of it, Flamego expect him to leave, as per Jorge Nicola (h/t Liverpool Echo).
The journalist said:
“Flamengo are looking for someone to replace João Gomes. Who is in the sights of European clubs.” I talked to Carlinhos Mineiro, who is the representative of Wallisson. Flamengo have already made an official offer. The offer on the table is around 19 million reais.”
Alongside Liverpool, Real Madrid in Spain and Bayer Leverkusen in Germany are monitoring his situation as well. The player very recently signed a contract extension keeping him at the club until 2027 (Transfermarkt). The active release clause in his contract is worth £53.5m which considering his age, is a pretty substantial amount.
One positive that could play the ball in Liverpool’s court is the fact that the player himself fancies a move to the Merseyside giants. As a result of multiple injuries to Liverpool’s starting midfielders in recent weeks, Gomes saw himself linked with a move to Anfield during the last transfer window.
Liverpool gaffer Jurgen Klopp has a liking for versatile players. Gomes could prove to be one as alongside his natural position of defensive-midfield, he can play advanced roles in the middle of the park as well.
Brazil to Lancashire
It goes without saying that Liverpool have young stars such as Harvey Elliott, Fabio Carvalho and Curtis Jones up their sleeves. However, Liverpool’s injury list so far this season has shown why the need for a midfield restructuring over the summer has become increasingly obvious.
Starting midfielders including the likes of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara are well over the age of 30. Other younger options in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are either always sitting out with injuries or are inconsistent with their performances.
With the potential signing of Gomes, Liverpool’s average age would come down by a considerable amount, and also provide more depth than usual. Liverpool’s apparent stop-gap signing this summer, Arthur Melo on loan from Juventus, also could not stay fit for a prolonged period.
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In 112 appearances for Flamengo across all competitions, Gomes has four goals and three assists. However, a defensive midfielder should not be subject to a judgement by goal output. Media in Brazil has it that the player is a stable midfielder, and could prove to be a good backup for his Brazilian compatriot Fabinho at Liverpool.
