Crystal Palace are preparing a significant January transfer move that could deliver a brutal blow to Wolverhampton Wanderers' fragile hopes of Premier League survival.
Palace eye Wolves' Brazilian midfield gem
According to reports from the Daily Mail, the Eagles have set their sights on Wolves' influential midfielder Joao Gomes. The 24-year-old Brazil international, who has ten caps for his country, is under contract at Molineux until June 2030 but his future is now in serious doubt.
Gomes is said to be valued at around the £44 million mark, a figure that reflects his importance to the Midlands club. He was previously linked with a move to Manchester United earlier this winter, highlighting his growing reputation.
A transfer that could define two seasons
This potential raid comes at a critical juncture for both clubs. Wolves, under new boss Rob Edwards, have just secured their first league win of the season, a 3-0 victory over West Ham United at Molineux thanks to goals from Jhon Arias, Hwang Hee-Chan, and Mateus Mane.
Despite that boost, Edwards' men remain bottom of the Premier League table, entrenched in the relegation zone alongside West Ham and Burnley. Losing a key player like Gomes to a direct league rival in the middle of a survival battle would be a devastating setback.
For Crystal Palace, the move is seen as a strategic play to bolster their midfield department. The club is also anticipating future interest in their own star, Adam Wharton, and views Gomes as a potential long-term asset.
What losing Gomes would mean for Wolves
The departure of Joao Gomes would represent a massive blow to Wolves' slim chances of staying up. Since his arrival from Brazilian giants Flamengo, where he played 122 games, Gomes has become a mainstay at Molineux, featuring 106 times and scoring seven goals.
While his form has been inconsistent recently, on his day he provides quality and effectiveness that Wolves desperately need. With the club facing a high probability of relegation, selling him in January may be considered a pragmatic option, but it would severely weaken the squad for the crucial fight ahead.
If Gomes departs, manager Rob Edwards will be forced into the transfer market for a replacement. Two potential candidates from the Championship have been identified:
- Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough, a player Edwards knows well from his time at the Riverside Stadium, though a mid-season move would be difficult and expensive.
- Gustavo Hamer of Sheffield United, whose future at Bramall Lane is uncertain and who could offer proven second-tier quality.
Wolves return to action with an away trip to face Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Wednesday, with the shadow of this potential transfer now looming over their fragile revival.
