Liverpool in pole position to sign Wharton alternative as bargain price emerges

Liverpool are now leading the race to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes, who is available at a bargain price this summer.

Liverpool in pole position to sign Gomes

It was a different day, but same problems for Liverpool against Chelsea on Saturday. The Reds were passive in and out of possession, with their midfield issues particularly exposed.

It looks as though solving those issues will be a large part of their summer transfer window, alongside of course replacing Mohamed Salah. On the midfield front, several names have also already emerged as candidates.

Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is one of the most prominent, but it remains to be seen whether those at Anfield are willing to match his reported £70m price tag in the coming months.

Instead, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes could be looking to land a bargain deal. According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are now leading the race to sign Gomes from Wolves this summer.

The Midlands club initially slapped a £60m asking price on the Brazilian, but relegation has forced them to take that price down to around €45m (£39m) for a player who is keen to move – allowing Liverpool to land a bargain price.

It’s easy to see why Liverpool are interested in Gomes. The Brazilian would add some physicality to what has been a weak midfield all season.

Only one player has won more duels than the Wolves star in the Premier League this season and that’s Elliot Anderson. Meanwhile, not a single Liverpool midfielder appears in the first 25 names on the list.

£39m Gomes should replace Mac Allister

Alexis Mac Allister’s drop-off has been dramatic to say the least. As impressive as Ryan Gravenberch was last season, it wouldn’t be absurd to suggest that his South American teammate was even better. This was a World Cup winner playing at that exact level.

One season later, however, he has looked physically finished at the heart of Liverpool’s midfield and that problem must be solved by welcoming Gomes this summer.

Dubbed “wonderful” by Wolves boss Rob Edwards, Gomes is one of a selection of players who could be heading for an exit back into the Premier League following his side’s relegation.

It wouldn’t be the first time that Edwards has plucked a star from a relegated star, either. In fact, it would be a throwback, vintage move from the Anfield chief.

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