Premier League duo Fulham and Nottingham Forest eye eyeing up Igor Gomes and there is currently no chance that a player dubbed ‘the new Kaka’ and once linked with Liverpool signs a new contract at Sao Paulo, according to Globo Esporte.
Sao Paulo certainly haven’t had it easy in the transfer market of late.
Last summer, the Brazilian giants lost Marquinhos to Arsenal for just £3 million after running into problems regarding the winger’s contract. Defender Luizao, meanwhile, has turned down a new deal and now looks set to join West Ham United on a free transfer.
And, Gomes just two years after being linked with £23 million moves to Barcelona and Liverpool, could follow Luizao and Marquinhos across the Atlantic when his contract expires.
Will Liverpool renew interest in Brazilian midfielder Igor Gomes?
With his rangy stride and mop of dark brown hair, the 23-year-old has been compared to AC Milan legend and 2007 Ballon D’Or winner Kaka. Fulham are interested, having enjoyed real success with fellow Brazilians Andreas Pereira and Willian (UOL).
Nottingham Forest too (Jorge Nicola); Steve Cooper’s side are already bringing in Palmeiras playmaker Gustavo Scarpa.
“(Departures are) a normal thing. (But) I regret the way they leave,” explains Sao Paulo coach Rogerio Ceni, admitting that this is a ‘painful’ time for the Tricolor.
“It was for the club to make good money with these players. What we regret most is a young player like Luizao, leaving for free.”
Gomes’ deal expires in March. He could sign a pre-contract agreement with either Nottingham Forest or Fulham in the New Year, then. Globo Esporte say that there is ‘no prospect’ of an extension as things stand.
Time will tell, meanwhile, if there is any prospect of Liverpool renewing their interest. Jurgen Klopp is desperate a transfusion of fresh blood for his ageing midfield. And Gomes’ availability should not go unnoticed. The Reds, not so long ago, held talks to sign him in a deal worth in excess of £20 million.
“You can get him for 25 million euros (£23 million) in June,” agent Wagner Ribeiro said at the time; drawing a comparison between Igor Gomes and Manchester City superstar Kevin de Bruyne.
In 60 games across all competitions this season, Gomes has seven assists.
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