“I’m disappointed” – Club owner concedes player is going to Wolves, was down to personal word

As well reported by the Brazilian media, Wolverhampton Wanderers have now won the race for João Gomes.

For those only reading about that negotiation now, it’s always worth explaining how it all happened.

Wolves first had a deal to buy the midfielder from Flamengo for €17m, and the player was ready to travel to England. That’s when Lyon showed up willing to pay €18m, and the Brazilian club froze his transfer to the Premier League, trying to make a deal with the French side.

But Gomes always wanted to keep his word with Wolverhampton, and convinced them to raise their offer a little more to get the deal done. The midfielder is set to fly to England at the weekend and complete the switch to Molineux. And as a confirmation of that deal, Lyon owner John Textor now came to Twitter to talk about that case.

The businessman also owns Botafogo, who are neighbours of Flamengo, and that’s why he’d been at the training ground to convince Gomes of the transfer. Now he admits he was unsuccessful in that task, adding: “I’m disappointed.”

…was too late for @GomesOficial08 All my powers of persuasion (self-mocking) could not alter this young man’s sense of honor. He gave his word to @Wolves and he won’t deviate. I’m disappointed, but so impressed by a gracious young man with an incredible future. Bon chance Joao!

— John Textor 🦁★彡 🦅★ (@JohnTextor) January 27, 2023

Flamengo fans are now quite happy with what happened, because indirectly, the owner of their city rivals helped them to sell Gomes for a few millions more.