Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly plotting a January bid to sign Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes, with Liverpool also believed to be interested in the 21-year-old talent.
According to the Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger, the Bundesliga club have identified the youngster as a potential option to replace Charles Aranguiz, with the 33-year-old set for a lengthy spell out on the sidelines as Xabi Alonso looks to add more midfield depth in January.
As per the report, Gomes is one of two players Leverkusen are looking at signing in the coming weeks, though there could be some complications for the German side as Liverpool are also reportedly interested in the Brazilian youngster as reported by CalcioMercato.
Moreover, the player himself is keen to move to Liverpool, with Gomes saying via ESPN: “Liverpool is a team I would play for. Playing in the Champions League is my biggest dream. My biggest dream in football.”
Indeed, such a statement gives Liverpool a clear advantage in the race to sign Gomes, yet with Leverkusen desperate for a midfielder in January, Alonso could well beat his former club to the Flamengo talent in the winter window.
Moreover, the Bundesliga has proven to be quite the landing pad for many South American talents. And as a result, Gomes himself could favour a move to Leverkusen before deciding to sign for Liverpool in a few years time.
Joao Gomes would be smart signing for Leverkusen instead of Liverpool
The Premier League is the end goal for almost every player in football, yet the fast-track to England isn’t always the best path to succeeding in the division, with Gomes likely better off signing for Leverkusen first before making the move to Liverpool.
After all, the youngster has many years of growing and developing to do before he is ready to star in the Premier League. And signing for Leverkusen could be the perfect next step for Gomes despite current interest from Liverpool.
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