Villa's answer to Tielemans exit: João Gomes

Aston Villa's midfield mobilisation in the summer window shows no sign of slowing. According to Fabrizio Romano's "here we go" announcement, João Gomes is moving from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Aston Villa; a verbal agreement worth €40 million plus €5 million in add-ons (around £38 million) has been reached. Wolves have accepted the offer and authorised the medical; the Brazilian midfielder has left training to travel and complete the transfer.

The background to the move is striking. This transfer represents Villa's direct response to losing captain Youri Tielemans to Manchester United, whose £35 million release clause was triggered in his contract. The club had completed the Johan Manzambi transfer that same week and needed to strengthen their midfield quickly following Amadou Onana's ACL injury.

Gomes' name had been linked with several clubs throughout the summer. Manchester United are reported to have also considered the player as an Ederson alternative during the January window, though those plans were disrupted by Ruben Amorim's sudden departure. Newcastle United, meanwhile, viewed Gomes as an alternative to Manzambi, but that possibility disappeared entirely once Villa stepped in; Tottenham and Liverpool are also said to have shown past interest in the player.

The player's past performances explain this interest. Having scored against Villa last season and been named Sky Sports' man of the match, the 25-year-old Gomes is reported to be signing a contract with Aston Villa running until 2031. Brazilian giants Flamengo, meanwhile, are reported to receive a share of this transfer as well, thanks to a 10 percent sell-on clause included in his original sale to Wolves.

Source: Fabrizio Romano
Image: BBC Sport