Liverpool are willing to pay a mammoth fee for Flamengo’s Joao Gomes to help refresh their midfield next summer.
The Brazilian is subject of interest from many of the elite European clubs after impressing for the Rio de Janeiro-based outfit.
The Reds are set to beat Real Madrid to his signing, as they are more willing to focus on their current and exceptional talent pool in that position.
Los Blancos already have Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni (who they pipped Liverpool to) and are not willing to pay the fee that his release clause demands.
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According to the outlet Sport, Liverpool will be willing to spend around £53m on the 21-year-old, who once said he had a "great desire" to join Jurgen Klopp's side. It is a similar fee they parted with in 2018 for the signature of Naby Keita.
The Reds are set to lose Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Keita and James Milner next summer as they have just nine months left on their contract.
Jordan Henderson and Thiago are both approaching the latter stages of their career, whilst Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho are both young and inexperienced.
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Gomes is more of a holding midfielder, and has been long compared to Fabinho - but their two styles are slightly different. Despite being deployed in that deeper role, he is only around 5’7”, and is reputable for his ability to get out of tight areas with his skill.
“These days, I’m stealing more balls than I’m setting up, but I still know how to set up. I know how to make a key pass and get assists.” Gomes told Flamengo’s official channels in an interview.
He even played in a centre-back position when the side were in an injury crisis.
It will be interesting to see if this pursuit will put a spanner in Liverpool’s interest in Jude Bellingham.
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It has been reported that Real Madrid do want to sign him too, and that the Birmingham-born 19-year-old is likely to choose them ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Gomes, Bellingham, or both? It will be a very formative summer for Liverpool’s midfield.
Chris Stonadge