Liverpool’s summer season switch enterprise appears to be like set to start with the signing of Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, based on stories from Brazilian outlet . With the membership reeling from their UEFA Champions League exit, a squad overhaul seems inevitable, and Gomes could possibly be a serious a part of Arne Slot’s plans for subsequent season.
Defensive Midfield in Focus
Liverpool’s midfield has been largely secure this season, however the Champions League tie towards Paris Saint-Germain uncovered a evident concern. In each legs, the Reds struggled to regain possession towards a group environment friendly in ball retention. Whereas Wataru Endo has been a gradual presence, he has not totally satisfied Slot as a first-choice defensive midfielder, notably towards elite opposition.
Gomes, nonetheless, gives an intriguing resolution. The 24-year-old is among the best ball-winners in Europe, rating within the 97th percentile for tackles amongst midfielders within the prime 5 leagues. That form of defensive tenacity could possibly be exactly what Liverpool want, particularly with Endo turning 32 subsequent season and a necessity for recent legs in the midst of the park.
The Monetary Facet
Experiences counsel that Gomes would price round €60m, a big funding contemplating Liverpool’s different switch priorities this summer season. Gazete do Urubu stories that Flamengo, his former membership, have a 14% sell-on clause, making this a deal of eager curiosity in Brazil as properly.
The charge might elevate eyebrows, particularly on condition that Liverpool are anticipated to overtake their assault and probably reinforce their defence. Nonetheless, Gomes’s affect at Wolves has been simple. Regardless of their struggles within the Premier League this season, he has enhanced his fame as one of many league’s most combative midfielders.
A Good Match for Slot’s System?
Arne Slot’s tactical method at Feyenoord was constructed round midfielders who mixed depth with technical potential. Gomes seems to suit that mould—he’s aggressive, disciplined, and progressive in his passing. If Liverpool safe his signature, he might grow to be a vital a part of their urgent construction and defensive transitions.
That mentioned, Liverpool’s midfield rebuild final summer season noticed the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch. Including one other midfielder begs the query: is Gomes a alternative for Endo or a complementary piece? With the reported squad overhaul anticipated, his signing might sign a shift in Liverpool’s midfield dynamics underneath Slot.
Our View – Anfield Index Evaluation
Liverpool followers will naturally be excited by the potential signing of Joao Gomes, however some might ponder whether that is essentially the most urgent space for reinforcement. The struggles towards PSG stemmed as a lot from the shortage of cutting-edge in assault as from midfield battles. If €60m is spent on Gomes, what does that imply for Liverpool’s pursuit of attacking choices?
On the identical time, Gomes’s potential to interrupt up play and impose himself bodily could be a serious asset, notably towards sides that dominate possession. His combative fashion would offer further safety for Liverpool’s backline, permitting extra freedom for Mac Allister and Szoboszlai to drive ahead.
With Manchester United additionally linked, this could possibly be a vital second for Liverpool to maneuver decisively within the switch market. If the deal is near completion, as reported, Gomes could possibly be an early sign of the course Slot desires to take his midfield—a extra tenacious, defensively astute unit able to controlling video games towards the perfect.