Liverpool are reportedly interested in Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes, as Jurgen Klopp plans to shake up his midfield unit.
The Reds have endured a difficult Premier League campaign thus far and lie ninth in the table, already eight points behind fourth-placed Newcastle United. Their poor form continued with a 2-1 defeat to Leeds United at Anfield on Saturday, and as a result, it would not be surprising to see the Merseyside club’s owners loosen the purse strings in January in an attempt to salvage the season.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Joao Gomes named Liverpool as his ‘dream club’, opening the door to a potential move to Anfield. He also idolises Thiago Alcantara and dreams of representing the Reds in the Champions League.
“Liverpool is a team I would play for. I have the greatest desire to play,” Gomes said.
“Playing in the Champions League is my biggest dream and that of my family, my biggest dream in football.”
Gomes, 21, helped Flamengo win the Copa Libertadores final against Athletico Paranaense last month. He is highly coveted with clubs such as Liverpool and Real Madrid already linked with a move for the tough-tackling midfielder, who has drawn comparisons with Manchester United star Casemiro.
Joao Gomes to Liverpool—A good fit for the Reds?
The midfield has increasingly become a problematic area for Liverpool, with a combination of injuries, poor form and ageing stars taking its toll this term. Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have barely played this season and the two are in the final year of their respective contracts, along with James Milner, who will turn 37 in August.
Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara are also well into their 30s, while Fabinho has endured a major dip in form this season. To address this, Jurgen Klopp is weighing up options to sign a midfielder in January.
Flamengo starlet Joao Gomes has emerged as a target for Liverpool. Since breaking into the senior Flamengo side back in 2020, Gomes has featured over 120 times and recently helped the club win the Copa Libertadores trophy. Thus, it is no surprise to see the young Brazilian linked with a move away from his current club.
Liverpool, who look to be lacking quality in midfield in a rough season so far, could do with a player of Gomes’ profile. Despite his tender age, he is vastly experienced, and the lure of playing for Liverpool in the Premier League would be too hard to reject for Gomes.
Klopp’s pressing and aggressive style would suit the Brazilian, as the 21-year-old is a highly energetic player who likes to tackle, win back possession and initiate attacks operating as the lone pivot in the midfield. He would freshen up Liverpool’s options in the engine room while bringing competition within the squad.
Rumoured to be valued at around £32million, the Reds must definitely launch a swoop for Joao Gomes when the transfer window reopens in January.
