£32m ace said he wants Liverpool move, now admits he idolises Thiago

 

Flamengo’s Copa Libertadores-winning midfielder Joao Gomes has admitted on his admiration for Thiago Alcantara after opening up on a potential move to Premier League giants Liverpool, speaking to AS. 

One year ago, Gomes was left out of the Flamengo squad as the Scarlet-and-Black lost 2-1 to Flamengo in the final of South America’s Champions League.  

The champagne would have tasted that little bit sweeter, then, as the academy graduate made up for the disappointment of 2021; starting and starring as Dorival Junior’s side went one step further in Ecuador this weekend. 

Gomes, a bone-chewing ‘bloodhound’ of a midfielder, set the tone for Flamengo during their nerve-shredding 1-0 victory over Brazilian rivals Athletico Paranaense. If or when the 21-year-old departs, he’s certainly ensured that he’ll be bowing out in some style. 

Liverpool, per Sport, are battling the likes of Real Madrid for Gomes’ signature. Flamengo, Brazilian reporter Jorge Nicola adds, are already in the process of identifying replacements too for a man who’s blend of technical and physical gifts have led to comparisons with Manchester United enforcer Casemiro. 

Gomes, however, prefers another international midfielder based in England’s north west. 

Will Liverpool beat Real Madrid to Flamengo’s Joao Gomes?

“I look at Thiago Alcantara,” he says, after opening the door to a potential £32 million move to Anfield. 

“Liverpool is a team I would play for,” Gomes admitted recently, via ESPN. “Playing in the Champions League is my biggest dream. My biggest dream in football.” 

Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham is, The Athletic say, Liverpool’s number one midfield target heading into 2023. But he’s far from the only one.  

Amid concerns over Fabinho’s poor form, Gomes’ relative affordability should give the under-pressure Liverpool board some food for thought. The ex-Monaco man couldn’t cope with the intensity of Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United during Saturday’s 2-1 Anfield defeat.

“I think people have high expectations of those they know they can deliver. It doesn’t wear me out at all. On the contrary, it motivates me to show that I deserve all this expectation,” Gomes adds; displaying the confidence required to shine amid the pressure of an elite-level club.

“I feel very confident and ready for the new opportunities that are yet to come. I know that if I keep working hard and doing my best, this opportunity will come.  

“Without a doubt, being called up and being able to play for Brazil is one of my biggest dreams. I hope this opportunity comes as soon as possible, because I’m going to grab it tooth and nail.” 

Liverpool reportedly like Benfica duo Enzo Fernandez and Florentino Luis too. Napoli’s Stanislav Lobotka is another to keep an eye on.