Atletico Madrid has made significant progress in their pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ midfielder João Gomes, with the Brazilian international reportedly giving a “positive signal” to a move to the Metropolitano.
With the European winter transfer window set to close on February 3rd, Diego Simeone is desperate to bolster his midfield. João Gomes has emerged as the priority, fitting the “Cholo style” perfectly due to his high intensity and defensive work rate.
The Search for a “Guard Dog”
Since Rodrigo De Paul’s departure to Major League Soccer (MLS), Atletico has struggled to find a midfield enforcer capable of covering defensive gaps. João Gomes, a revelation since his move from Flamengo, currently ranks among the top 15 players in the Premier League for successful tackles, averaging an impressive 2.7 per game according to Sofascore.
However, Gomes is not the only name on the shortlist. According to Pedro Fullana of Cadena SER, Atletico is also monitoring:
- Éderson (Atalanta): The Brazilian powerhouse remains a strong alternative.
- Kang-In Lee (PSG): A more creative option to add flair to the midfield.
Wolves Set Asking Price
Wolverhampton is reportedly open to a sale but will not let their star man go cheaply. The Premier League side has set a valuation of approximately €50 million (£42m).
While Antonio Conte’s Napoli is also credited with an interest in the player, the Italian giants are currently trailing Atletico in negotiations. Gomes is said to be particularly excited by the prospect of working under Simeone, whose tactical demands align perfectly with his combative playing style.
Filepe Junior is a football writer tracking La Liga transfers, covering major signings, squad planning, and player movements across Spanish clubs.
