Wolves

Wolves‘ deal for João Gomes to Atlético Madrid is now completely off, according to fresh reports from Brazil. 

The Wolves midfielder had been heavily linked with a move to the Spanish club throughout the summer. Reports claimed Atlético had agreed personal terms with the 25-year-old. They were prepared to pay around €45m (£38.5m) to secure his signature.

Just yesterday we covered a preliminary report on this story from ESPN Brazil. Now, however, the transfer has collapsed in unexpected fashion.

According to Brazil’s Globo Esporte, Atlético Madrid have pulled out of the deal altogether. The decision had nothing to do with João Gomes or Wolves.

Deal was effectively agreed

The report states Atlético had already agreed the transfer fee with Wolves. They also settled João Gomes’ salary and finalised the length of his proposed contract.

It adds the Brazilian was already taking care of the final details of his move to Madrid, underlining just how advanced the negotiations had become.

Everything appeared to be pointing towards João Gomes becoming Diego Simeone’s latest midfield addition. Instead, the move has fallen apart.

Bernardo Silva twist changed everything

According to Globo Esporte, the key figure behind the collapse is agent Jorge Mendes.

The report explains Mendes was involved in João Gomes’ negotiations with Atlético Madrid. At the same time, he was also working on another major transfer involving Bernardo Silva.

Atlético believed they had an understanding regarding Bernardo Silva. However, the Portugal international ended up joining Real Madrid instead.

That reportedly infuriated Atlético’s hierarchy. As a result, the Spanish club decided to walk away from the João Gomes deal, so Mendes would not get a cut. This happened despite all the agreements already being in place.

If accurate, it is an extraordinary reason for a transfer to collapse. Especially one that had reached such an advanced stage.

Wolves back to square one

For Wolves, the latest twist throws João Gomes’ future wide open again. Recent reports had painted Atlético as overwhelming favourites. This happened after the midfielder reportedly rejected approaches from several other clubs, including Leeds United, Atalanta, Galatasaray and Zenit Saint Petersburg.

Galatasaray have also continued pushing for the Brazilian, believing Wolves’ relegation could create an opening. They remain willing to invest around €40m (£34.2m).

With Atlético now reportedly out of the picture, the race for one of Wolves’ most valuable players suddenly looks very different.

João Gomes transfer situation

  • The Wolves midfielder has been linked with an exit for months
  • In May, it was said he’d rejected Zenit, Atalanta, Galatasaray and Leeds United
  • Atlético Madrid were also credited with interest at the time
  • The Spanish club have also been linked with Morten Hjulmand
  • It’s likely been a case of one or the other – and perhaps the Mendes claims are a cover

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