Liverpool’s summer season switch enterprise appears set to start with the signing of Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, in response to experiences from Brazilian outlet . With the membership reeling from their UEFA Champions League exit, a squad overhaul seems inevitable, and Gomes might be a significant 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 obtrusive problem. In each legs, the Reds struggled to regain possession towards a crew environment friendly in ball retention. Whereas Wataru Endo has been a gradual presence, he has not solely satisfied Slot as a first-choice defensive midfielder, notably towards elite opposition.
Gomes, nevertheless, provides an intriguing resolution. The 24-year-old is likely one of the only ball-winners in Europe, rating within the 97th percentile for tackles amongst midfielders within the high 5 leagues. That form of defensive tenacity might 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
Studies counsel that Gomes would value round €60m, a big funding contemplating Liverpool’s different switch priorities this summer season. Gazete do Urubu experiences that Flamengo, his former membership, have a 14% sell-on clause, making this a deal of eager curiosity in Brazil as properly.
The price could increase eyebrows, particularly on condition that Liverpool are anticipated to overtake their assault and doubtlessly reinforce their defence. Nonetheless, Gomes’s influence at Wolves has been simple. Regardless of their struggles within the Premier League this season, he has enhanced his popularity as one of many league’s most combative midfielders.
A Good Match for Slot’s System?
Arne Slot’s tactical strategy at Feyenoord was constructed round midfielders who mixed depth with technical capability. Gomes seems to suit that mould—he’s aggressive, disciplined, and progressive in his passing. If Liverpool safe his signature, he may turn out 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 substitute for Endo or a complementary piece? With the reported squad overhaul anticipated, his signing could sign a shift in Liverpool’s midfield dynamics beneath Slot.
Our View – Anfield Index Evaluation
Liverpool followers will naturally be excited by the potential signing of Joao Gomes, however some could ponder whether that is essentially the most urgent space for reinforcement. The struggles towards PSG stemmed as a lot from the dearth 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 capability to interrupt up play and impose himself bodily can be a significant 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 might be a vital second for Liverpool to maneuver decisively within the switch market. If the deal is near completion, as reported, Gomes might be an early sign of the route Slot desires to take his midfield—a extra tenacious, defensively astute unit able to controlling video games towards the perfect.