Flamengo’s vice president Marcos Braz insists that the £30 million-rated Joao Gomes is not pushing to leave the club despite admitting his admiration for Premier League giants Liverpool recently, speaking to ESPN Brazil.
Perhaps it was a bit of naivety on Gomes’ part.
Perhaps he didn’t realise just what a stir it would cause, admitting during an Instagram Live that he would relish the chance to pull on the iconic deep-red shirt of Liverpool at some point in the future.
Fortunately for Flamengo, 21-year-old Gomes is in no rush. Anfield can wait. He signed a new five-year deal just this week, complete with a substantial pay rise, much to the delight of a man who has clearly grown tired of the rumours.
“It was said that there was some discomfort, a relationship problem,” responds a bullish Braz. “The relationship with Joao Gomes was always the best possible. There was no offer for Joao Gomes. (The rumours) are a lot of lies.
“There is nothing. We are very happy and I am absolutely sure that he is very happy with the board of Flamengo.”
Liverpool like Flamengo starlet Joao Gomes
Gomes, who has drawn comparisons with Merseyside favourite Fabinho due to his ability in and out of possession, is reportedly in the sights of Manchester United and Real Madrid, as well as a Liverpool side in need of an injection of fresh midfield blood.
Braz, however, insists that a new long-term deal serves to “protect Flamengo. And, then, to also build a good salary increase for a Flamengo starter. That’s what happened.
“Flamengo is very happy with Joao Gomes. Joao Gomes is very happy with Flamengo. And, most importantly, he has his head focused in Brazil.”
Following their worst start to a Premier League season since the Brendan Rodgers era, Jurgen Klopp has made no secret of his desire for more investment in the centre of the park. Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham is already Liverpool’s top target heading into 2023.
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