Liverpool dealt ‘blow’ as ‘roadblock’ threatens ‘more complicated’ £40m deal after ‘surprise decision’
According to reports, Liverpool have been ‘dealt a fresh blow’ as a proposed deal to sign Wolves centre-midfielder Joao Gomes has become ‘more complicated’.
Liverpool are enjoying a great season as they are well-placed to win their 20th Premier League title, sitting eleven points clear of second-placed Arsenal with seven matches remaining.
Despite this, the Reds are expected to be busy in the transfer marker this summer, with replacements potentially needed for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
Head coach Arne Slot is also expected to target upgrades in various positions as they could sign a left-back, centre-back, centre-midfielder, winger and/or striker this summer.
Federico Chiesa is the only player they have signed this season, while Valencia and Georgia standout Giorgi Mamardashvili has reached an agreement to join Liverpool ahead of this summer.
READ: Liverpool only have eight players who should ‘definitely’ be there to defend title next season
The emergence of Ryan Gravenberch has reduced Liverpool’s need to sign a new No.6 after they missed out on Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi during last year’s summer window.
However, the Reds could still sign a defensive midfielder this summer with cover required and £40m-rated Gomes has been mooted as a potential option.
Gomes is also linked with other Big Six sides, but he recently penned a new five-year contract extension to commit to Wolves until 2030.
According to Football Insider, this new development has made a deal for Gomes ‘more complicated’ with Liverpool ‘hit by a roadblock’.
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The report explains:
‘The Reds may be forced to consider alternative targets or wait beyond the summer to secure Gomes’ signing. This comes after the midfielder signed a new five-year deal at Molineux on 1 April – a decision which came as a surprise to many.
‘However, with the future of Matheus Cunha also up in the air, Wolves are determined not to lose both Cunha and Gomes given their importance to Vitor Pereira’s side.
‘Football Insider revealed on 18 January that Liverpool view Gomes as the “perfect signing” and planned to make a move in the summer transfer window. However, a new deal has put the Black Country side in the drivers’ seat with regard to his future and they are not willing to let him go this summer.
‘As the forward’s future remains uncertain, the Wolves board and Pereira are keen not to see too many of their key players leave ahead of another potential relegation battle.
‘Liverpool are considering a number of alternatives to Gomes as they aim to strengthen their midfield ahead of the summer window, including Brighton star Carlos Baleba.’
