Star was very keen to sign for Liverpool, but he’s now joining Aston Villa instead

Aston Villa are closing in on a deal for Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, but it has now been reported that he was actually keen on a move to Liverpool.

The Brazilian midfielder has quietly developed into one of the Premier League’s most reliable ball-winners, and at 25, he is entering what should be the best years of his career.

Since arriving from Flamengo in January 2023, he has made 130 appearances for Wolves, scoring 8 goals and providing six assists despite playing as a defensive midfielder.

He also arrived in England with an impressive pedigree. Gomes won the Copa Libertadores with Flamengo in 2022 before earning his first Brazil caps, establishing himself as one of his country’s brightest young midfielders.

Adapting to the Premier League is never easy, yet he quickly became one of Wolves’ most dependable performers and was regularly one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Would he have improved Liverpool? Probably, but only in a specific role.

Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister already offer quality on the ball, while Dominik Szoboszlai, who has just penned a new long-term deal, provides energy further forward.

Gomes would have added another level of aggression and ball-winning ability, giving Liverpool extra protection in difficult away games or against Europe’s strongest opponents.

That is exactly why Aston Villa’s move makes so much sense.

Gomes ticks every box, and replacing a player like Youri Tielemans is never straightforward, but the Brazilian brings different strengths. He covers huge areas of the pitch, breaks up attacks and allows creative teammates greater freedom higher up the field.

As per WhoScored, only Joao Palhinha and Everton’s James Garner averaged more tackles per 90 in the Premier League last season than the South American, which tells you all you need to know.

It makes sense that the next step now appears set to come at Villa Park rather than Anfield, but that wasn’t always the player’s own wish.

Joao Gomes wanted Liverpool transfer before finalising Aston Villa move

According to Football Transfers, Liverpool were given the opportunity to sign Gomes but decided against pursuing a deal, instead making Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton their priority target.

This is despite Gomes himself being very keen to sign for Andoni Iraola’s side at the time.

That decision opened the door for Villa, who have moved quickly to agree a deal worth around £35 million with Wolves. Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed Villa’s agreement, with Gomes now closing in on completing the move.

The report suggests Liverpool’s recruitment team admire Gomes but ultimately believe Wharton is a better fit for the long-term direction of the squad.

For Villa, it represents an important piece of business following the departure of Tielemans. Emery wanted a proven Premier League midfielder who could arrive and contribute immediately, and Gomes fits that profile perfectly.

Liverpool supporters may wonder whether the club have missed an opportunity, but Wharton would be an excellent addition if they can afford his £100m asking price.

Whether that proves to be the right decision will become clearer once Gomes begins life at Villa Park.