Liverpool and United Lock Horns for Wolves Midfielder Gomes as Atletico Deal Collapses

The battle for Joao Gomes is hotting up. With Atletico Madrid's €45million (£38.3m) agreement with Wolves having collapsed, both Liverpool and Manchester United have now thrown their hats into the ring for the Brazilian midfielder.

United's interest comes after they pulled the plug on their Ederson Silva transfer. Despite reaching a deal with Atalanta, INEOS deemed the move no longer viable following complications during the second phase of the Brazil international's medical examination. Andrey Santos will instead arrive from Chelsea on a £50million deal as United continue their midfield shopping.

Gomes, meanwhile, faces an uncertain future at Molineux. With Wolves now Championship-bound following their Premier League relegation, the 23-year-old looks destined for the exit. Atletico Madrid had a firm agreement in place, but according to Brazilian sources, the Spanish outfit have abandoned the pursuit. Reports suggest friction between the club and super agent Jorge Mendes lies at the heart of the breakdown—specifically Mendes's decision to steer Bernardo Silva toward Real Madrid rather than to the Wanda Metropolitano as Atletico had hoped.

That collapse has triggered immediate movement from the Premier League's big hitters. Both United and Liverpool have made contact with Wolves to explore terms and pricing structures. United's renewed enthusiasm for Gomes reflects long-standing admiration; the midfielder had previously occupied a prominent position on their shortlist before his move to the Midlands.

Liverpool, however, possess a trump card. Back in 2022, when Gomes was still at Flamengo, the midfielder made his ambitions crystal clear. Asked whether he'd fancy a move to Anfield, Gomes didn't hold back: "Liverpool is a team I would play for. I have a great desire to play there."

Those words will give FSG plenty of encouragement as they look to fend off United's challenge.