Igor Gomes could finally move to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest just one year after the Sao Paulo star turned down West Ham United, according to Brazilian reporter Jorge Nicola.
Sao Paulo succeeded where many expected them to fail some 12 months ago, retaining the services of a swashbuckling attacking midfielder labelled the ‘new Kaka’ despite interest from a number of clubs on the other side of The Atlantic.
Including, but not limited to, David Moyes’ West Ham United.
“(West Ham) wanted Igor Gomes on loan, with a financial compensation,” explained Gomes’ agent. “That is not interesting for Sao Paulo, nor for the player.”
The Hammers, at the time, were capable of offering European football, plus a stab at the Premier League’s top six. Newly-promoted Nottingham Forest, then, may feel like something of a backwards step, even if the ambition of the two-time European champions cannot be questioned after a summer of heavy spending.
Igor Gomes could end up at Nottingham Forest after West Ham snub
“Igor Gomes will not renew with Sao Paulo,” says Nicola, with less than 12 months remaining on the 23-year-old’s contract. “He has asked for absurd figures (to renew).
“Igor Gomes already has offers to leave Sao Paulo. Interested parties are Porto and Sporting Lisbon. Nottingham Forest, who have just signed Gustavo Scarpa, also intends to sign him. There are still polls of small and medium-sized Spanish football teams.”
Scarpa, the Palmeiras playmaker who recently produced a staggering 20 assists in just one season, is understood to have signed a pre-contract agreement with Forest; His current deal expiring in December. It remains to be seen, though, whether he’ll be plying his trade under Steve Cooper. Or whether he joins Hwang Ui-Jo on loan at Olympiakos.
Scarpa admitted this month that he dreams of making a name for himself this side of the sea. An ambition Gomes, who’s rangy stride and silky skills have earned comparisons with a certain 2007 Ballon D’Or winner, shares.
“He really wants to move to Europe,” Nicola adds, before indicating that Gomes would not move to Forest now and would have to wait until the New Year before making the switch official. “It’s his and his family’s wish, more or less like Scarpa’s situation.”
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