Wolves might not be quite so reliant upon the Portuguese market these days. But, still, when a player of this talent and potential shows himself over in Iberia, you can usually expect the men from Molineux to be front and centre.
Back in January, the agent of a speedy, skilful Portugal Under 21 international admitted that Wolverhampton Wanderers were one of a number of clubs who ‘contacted me’ to enquire about the availability of Rodrigo Gomes.
“(Wolves are) showing interest in Rodrigo,” Marcelo Cipriano said. But I believe it’s no surprise considering the excellent season he is having.”
“I believe that proposals will arrive for Rodrigo Gomes.”
Gomes, on loan at Estoril from Braga, has exploded onto the scene with eight goals and eight assists in all competitions during a ‘fantastic’ breakout season.
There are shades of Pedro Neto in the way the 20-year-old breezes past opposition full-backs before fizzing crosses into the box. And with HITC understanding that Wolves will not stand in Neto’s way should offers in the region of £60 million arrive – the club’s Financial Fair Play concerns are very well documented – Gomes could find himself under pressure to take the place of one of the Premier League’s most exhilarating widemen.
Not that Joao Pereira, who coached a teenage Gomes at youth level, has any concerns about the youngster’s ability to make the step up to a bigger stage and a bigger league.
Can Rodrigo Gomes replace Pedro Neto at Wolves?
“He showed potential and (good) performance,” Pereira tells O Jogo.
“He developed skills, starting with his versatility. He is a very strong winger in a three-centre-back system. He is very courageous and this shows in the way he plays. I believe he will be very successful, wherever he is.”
Gomes, reportedly valued at around £12 million by Braga, has played on both the left and the right this season, also as a wing-back at times. It was confirmed to HITC back in January that Wolves’ interest is very real, although Gary O’Neil’s side never had any plans to step up their interest until the end of the current campaign.
“He’s an exceptional and humble kid with whom I keep in touch,” adds Pereira. “I highlight his speed, confidence, work-ethic and verticality. He has a lot of drive, the ability to go one-on-one, carries the ball and continually makes deep runs, both from the outside to the inside and from the inside to the outside.
“There are many clubs that look for these qualities.”
We understand that Wolves are also facing a battle holding onto captain Max Kilman. Tottenham, Manchester United and Midland neighbours Aston Villa are among his admirers.
At the other end of the pitch, Wolves could look to strengthen a talented but somewhat injury-prone frontline with Atletico Madrid’s teenage striker Samu Omorodion. Wolves have already enjoyed real success signing young forwards from Diego Simeone’s side, bringing Diogo Jota to England back in 2017.