Sao Paulo midfielder Igor Gomes is ready for a move to Europe this summer after Liverpool held talks with the so-called ‘new Kaka’ in 2020, agent Wagner Ribeiro has told UOL.
Things have gone rather quiet for one of the most talented playmakers in Brazilian football recently.
And, in the eyes of Ribeiro, the blame lies squarely at the door of former Sao Paulo manager Fernando Diniz.
According to Gomes’ agent, the silky smooth attacker has been misused at Estadio Morumbi, forced into an ill-fitting left-wing role to accommodate 37-year-old Dani Alves in the centre of the park.
“(His lack of progress is the) fault of Fernando Diniz. The guy has Daniel Alves, the best full-back in the world, and plays him as a midfielder. It disturbs the boy (Gomes),” says Ribeiro.
Fortunately for Gomes, Diniz has now been replaced in the Sao Paulo hot seat by former Chelsea, Milan and Argentina striker Hernan Crespo.
And, should the 22-year-old rediscover the form that caught the eye of Liverpool not so long ago, a big-money move to Europe could finally come to fruition this summer.
“Maybe in the next window (Gomes will go). His release clause is €80 million – but that is unrealistic. Nobody has that much money,” Ribeiro adds.
“You can get him for €25 million (£23 million) in June.”
Due to his galloping stride, gangly frame and wonderous footwork, Gomes has been likened to the legendary Johan Cryuff and 2006 Ballon D’Or winner Kaka. Ribeiro, however, feels his highly rated client has more in common with Manchester City’s creative kingpin Kevin De Bruyne.
According to Esporte Interativo, Liverpool opened talks with Gomes in June last year and may renew their interest if Gini Wijnaldum leaves.
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