Atlético de Madrid have officially identified Wolverhampton Wanderers’ midfielder João Gomes as their primary target to replace Conor Gallagher. Following Gallagher’s €41m (£35m) move to Tottenham, the Spanish giants are moving swiftly to secure the Brazilian “Pitbull” before the window slams shut.
According to MARCA, the operation is being spearhead by Atlético’s new sporting mastermind, Mateu Alemany. The board views the 24-year-old Brazilian international as the ideal tactical fit for Simeone’s high-intensity system, citing his Premier League proven durability and defensive metrics.
A Premier League Standout
Since arriving in England from Flamengo in 2022, João Gomes has established himself as one of the most reliable ball-winners in the world. Despite a challenging season for Wolves, Gomes has been a beacon of consistency:
- Appearances (2025/26): 24 matches.
- Club Milestone: Recently surpassed 100 appearances for Wolverhampton.
- International Status: A regular in the Brazilian National Team with 10 caps, making him a highly marketable asset across Europe.
The €50m Battle: United and Napoli Lurking
Atlético’s path to the Brazilian is far from clear. Manchester United have kept Gomes on their radar as a potential successor to Casemiro, while Napoli are reportedly preparing a rival bid to lure him to Serie A.
However, the “Alemany factor” could be decisive. Atlético are reportedly prepared to offer a long-term project that guarantees Gomes a starting role in the Champions League, something both Wolves and Manchester United (currently rebuilding under Carrick) may struggle to promise immediately.
Why João Gomes?
Simeone is looking for more than just a defensive shield; he needs a transition specialist. Gomes’ ability to recover possession and immediately spark counter-attacks is exactly what the Colchoneros lacked in their recent tactical shifts.
João Gomes: Career at a Glance
| Metric | Detail |
| Age | 24 |
| Current Club | Wolverhampton Wanderers |
| Market Value | €45m – €55m |
| Key Strength | Tackles, Interceptions, Work-rate |
Miguel Manjate is a football journalist and editor covering the Premier League, European competitions, and transfer news, with a strong focus on match analysis and data-driven reporting.
