Wolves may be edging closer to a major sale, but João Gomes’ future is not completely settled yet.
Recent reports have consistently pointed towards a move to Atlético Madrid. The Spanish side are understood to have reached a verbal agreement with the midfielder and are working towards a deal worth around €45m (£38.5m).
However, fresh reports from Brazil indicate another club is refusing to walk away.
According to RTI Esporte, Galatasaray remain firmly interested in João Gomes and are prepared to invest around €40m (£34.2m) in an attempt to convince Wolves to sell.
Galatasaray still see an opportunity
From the Turkish side’s perspective, there is a simple reason to keep pushing. The deal with Atleti is not completed yet, and that leaves room for rival clubs to explore their chances.
Galatasaray are reportedly hoping Wolves’ relegation to the Championship can work in their favour. The Turkish champions can also offer Champions League football, something they believe strengthens their position.
And looks like the club’s interest won’t fade. Reports in Turkey last week suggested Galatasaray had begun investigating the cost of a move and were preparing an official approach.
The latest claims indicate they have not been discouraged by Atlético’s progress.
Relegation changed Wolves’ plans
One detail highlighted in the Brazilian report helps explain why João Gomes continues to attract attention.
RTI Esporte report that João Gomes earns around €350,000 (£300,000) per month, equivalent to approximately €4.2m (£3.6m) per year. For a club preparing for life in the Championship, that is a significant commitment.
As a result, Wolves are balancing two competing realities. They would ideally keep one of their best players, but a substantial transfer fee combined with a reduction in wage costs makes a sale increasingly attractive.
Atlético remain in pole position
Despite Galatasaray’s persistence, Atlético Madrid still appear to be leading the race.
João Gomes has already been linked with a verbal agreement with the Spanish side, while reports from Brazil have claimed he rejected approaches from several clubs as he prioritises a move to Diego Simeone’s team.
That means Galatasaray face a difficult task. Still, the fact they remain willing to pursue the transfer shows there is no sense yet that the deal is completely closed.
Until Wolves and Atlético reach a final agreement, rival clubs will continue to look for an opening. And for Wolves, that may not be bad news at all.
More interest can only strengthen their position as negotiations continue over one of their most valuable players.
