Now, we wouldn’t say there has been a sense of inevitability about this move but Wolverhampton Wanderers’ interest has been pretty well documented for a while now.
And, with the end seemingly in sight, it appears that six or more months of hard work will not have been for nothing, the men from Molineux closing in on their second signing of the summer transfer window.
In fact, could the deal be confirmed as early as today?
That certainly feels possible.
Wolves on the verge of £12.7 million signing
It was back in January when Rodrigo Gomes’ agent, Marcelo Cipriano, confirmed that Wolves were ‘one of many clubs who contacted me from the five major European leagues’ regarding the Braga-owned winger shining on loan at Estoril.
Now, in mid-June, Gomes is maybe only ‘a few hours’ away from continuing the proud tradition of Iberian talent in Old Gold.
“Rodrigo Gomes will be made official (as a new Wolves player) within a few hours and it’s resolved,” reveals Antonio Salvador, the Braga president speaking to the media on Wednesday (Zero Zero).
“And therefore, it is an asset that we can say that, at this moment, (his future) is resolved. (Gomes will play) in Wolverhampton.”
HITC reported on Monday that Gary O’Neil‘s team had met Braga’s £12.7 million asking price. There was interest from rival Premier League sides West Ham, Brighton and Hove Albion, Brentford and AFC Bournemouth, but Wolves are in pole position with a medical due to take place imminently.
Spanish giants Atletico Madrid also wanted Gomes.
With nine goals and eight assists across all competitions on loan at Estoril, the 20-year-old was one of the breakout talents of the 2023/24 Primeira Liga campaign. Versatile enough to play on either flank and even at wing-back, Gomes shares many similarities with a young Pedro Neto; fast, direct and boasting real end product in the final third.
Whether he replaces Neto at Molineux, meanwhile, remains to be seen.
Pedro Neto could be sold this summer
A number of deep-pocketed Premier League clubs are in the market for wingers this summer. And HITC understands Neto has admirers at Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool, while Wolves may be willing to consider admittedly-hefty offers in order to ease any Profit and Sustainability concerns.
“He showed potential and (good) performance,” Joao Pereira, who coached a teenage Gomes at youth level, tells O Jogo.
“He developed skills, starting with his versatility. He is a very strong wing-back in a three-centre-back system. He is very courageous and this shows in the way he plays. I believe he will be very successful, wherever he is.
“He’s an exceptional and humble kid with whom I keep in touch,” adds Pereira. “I highlight his speed, confidence, work-ethic and verticality. He has a lot of drive, the ability to go one-on-one, carries the ball and continually makes deep runs, both from the outside to the inside and from the inside to the outside.
“There are many clubs that look for these qualities.”
Gomes will become Wolves’ second summer signing. Tommy Doyle has already joined on a permanent basis following a loan spell in the Black Country from Manchester City.
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