Atletico Madrid agree £39 million deal with Wolverhampton Wanderers to sign Joao Gomes | OneFootball

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reached an agreement in principle to sell highly rated midfielder Joao Gomes to Atletico Madrid.

According to Sky Sports, Los Colchoneros will pay £39 million to sign Gomes—more than double the £16 million Wolves paid Flamengo to bring him to the Molineux Stadium in January 2023.

Having previously revealed playing in the Champions League as his ‘biggest dream’, Gomes has already given the green light to move to Riyadh Air Metropolitano and is set to sign a five-year contract in Madrid.

Atletico view the ‘outstanding’ Gomes as the natural successor to Conor Gallagher, who left for Tottenham Hotspur during the January transfer window.

Diego Simeone has been seeking an energetic, press-resistant holding midfielder capable of dominating the centre of the pitch.

Gomes’ ability to win possession, absorb pressure, and drive forward from deep makes him a rare bright spot in a Wolves side that struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League.

The Brazilian has made 130 appearances for Wolves in all competitions, contributing eight goals and six assists.

He was considered a coup at the time of his arrival—Lyon had also been pursuing his signature—and leaves having delivered the quality that attracted such interest in the first place.

For Wolves, the timing of the deal is ideal. Relegated to the Championship and facing a major financial overhaul, recouping nearly £39 million for a player bought for £16 million is a significant boost to their rebuilding efforts—and provides a foundation for an immediate push to return to the top flight.

Rob Edwards’ men are eyeing an ambitious move for Newcastle United skipper Kieran Trippier, who is set to become a free agent next month.