Wolverhampton Wanderers are preparing for a crucial battle to retain their top talent this summer, with a significant £35 million valuation placed on midfielder Joao Gomes amid serious interest from Italian giants Napoli.
Napoli's Summer Pursuit of Midfield Star
According to reports from Italy, notably from journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Napoli are actively "lining up" a move for the Brazilian international. The Serie A champions, under manager Antonio Conte, view the 24-year-old Gomes as a "super blow" for their planned midfield revamp.
The belief is that a transfer is more likely in the summer window, as Napoli need to sell players before they can buy. Wolves are expected to demand the substantial £35 million fee to even consider parting with a player once linked with Manchester United.
Relegation Threat Could Spark Fire Sale
The potential departure of Gomes is intrinsically linked to Wolves' precarious position in the Premier League. The club has been rooted to the bottom of the table for much of the season, and many had written off their survival chances long before Rob Edwards replaced Vitor Pereira as manager in November 2025.
While there have been minor signs of recovery—including a 3-0 victory over West Ham and draws with Manchester United and Everton—the threat of dropping to the Championship looms large. This scenario is feared to trigger a wider exodus of key assets.
Striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, who scored a hat-trick in the FA Cup, and teenage starlet Mateus Mane are among others rumoured to attract interest. Furthermore, Turkish club Besiktas are said to be "sniffing around" players like Jhon Arias and Emmanuel Agbadou, hoping financial pressure from relegation would force Wolves to sell cheaply.
Edwards's Uphill Task to Build and Retain
The situation presents a stark reality check for manager Rob Edwards. His primary task is to orchestrate a great escape in the second half of the 2025/26 season. Success on the pitch is now the most powerful tool to convince vital players that the project at Molineux is worth staying for, regardless of the division.
Although parachute payments would offer some financial cushion, the club could still face a difficult task in resisting cut-price offers for their crown jewels if relegation is confirmed. The coming months will define not just Wolves' immediate future, but their ability to retain the core of a squad capable of bouncing back.
