Flamengo are already planning for life without Joao Gomes as the £32 million-rated midfielder becomes a target for Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Jurgen Klopp’s Premier League giants Liverpool, reporter Jorge Nicola says on his YouTube channel.
This month alone, Enzo Fernandez, Florentino Luis, Stanislav Lobotka and the aforementioned Gomes have all been linked with a Liverpool side who’s ageing engine room is showing a few signs of rust, despite morale-boosting victories over Rangers, Manchester City and West Ham United.
And that’s without mentioning one Jude Bellingham.
21-year-old Gomes signed a new long-term deal recently. That has not stopped the likes of Real Madrid, Leverkusen and Liverpool from expressing an interest, however; Gomes’ blend of physical and technical gifts drawing comparisons with Manchester United’s four-time Champions League winning Brazil international Casemiro.
And, according to reports, the search for a successor is already underway.
Will Liverpool beat Real Madrid to Joao Gomes?
“Flamengo are looking for someone to replace João Gomes,” explains Nicola. “Who is in the sights of European clubs.”
Flamengo’s top target appears to be Wallison Luiz; a 25-year-old on loan at second-tier Ponte Preta from Athletico Paranaense.
“I talked to Carlinhos Mineiro, who is the representative of Wallisson,” Nicola adds. “Flamengo have already made an official offer. The offer on the table of is around 19 million reais (just over £3 million).”
Flamengo will certainly have plenty of cash to play with if Gomes does indeed depart. One of the most talented young midfielders in South America is valued in the region of £30 million.
The club’s vice president, Marcos Braz, however, insists that neither Liverpool nor Real Madrid have yet approached last season’s Serie A runners-up directly.
“There was no consultation regarding the player Joao Gomes. He had (no offers) that we were aware of, from Real Madrid, from Liverpool (in the summer),” Braz tells Pod Fla.
“Also, if he had, we at that moment would not have any concerns about his contract. The player is safe. He still had two years of contract remaining with Flamengo (at the time). It wouldn’t be a problem because he wouldn’t leave.”
Interestingly, Gomes recently admitted that he would love to play for Liverpool in the future (ESPN).
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