wolvesAccording to the latest reports from Brazil, Joao Gomes' deal with Atletico Madrid is now completely off.
The Wolves midfielder was heavily linked with a move to the Spanish club throughout the summer. Reports claimed that Atletico had agreed personal terms with the 25-year-old player. They were willing to pay around €45m (£38.5m) to secure his signature.
Just yesterday we did a cover Initial report on this story From ESPN Brazil. Now, however, the transfer has collapsed in unexpected ways.
according to brazil globo esporteAtletico Madrid has completely pulled out of this deal. The decision had nothing to do with Joao Gomes or Wolves.
Deal effectively agreed
The report states that Atletico had already agreed a transfer fee with Wolves. They also settled João Gomes's salary and finalized the length of his proposed contract.
It added that the Brazilian was already taking care of the final details of his move to Madrid, underlining how advanced the talks had become.
Everything was pointing towards Joao Gomes becoming Diego Simeone's latest midfield player. Instead, the move is broken.
Bernardo Silva The twist changed everything
According to Globo Esporte, the main person behind the collapse is agent Jorge Mendes.
Reports suggest that Mendes was involved in talks with Atletico Madrid for Joao Gomes. At the same time, he was also working on another major transfer involving Bernardo Silva.
Atlético believed they had an understanding regarding Bernardo Silva. However, the Portugal international eventually joined Real Madrid.
This reportedly infuriated Atlético's hierarchy. As a result, the Spanish club decided to walk away from the Joao Gomes deal, so that Mendes would not get a cut. This happened despite all the pre-existing agreements.
If accurate, this is an extraordinary reason for the collapse of the transfer. Especially one that has reached such an advanced stage.
wolves back to square one
For Wolves, the latest twist has reopened Joao Gomes' future. Recent reports had painted Atlético as the overwhelming favourites. It comes after the midfielder reportedly rejected approaches from several other clubs, including Leeds United, Atalanta, Galatasaray and Zenit St Petersburg.
Galatasaray have also continued to push for the Brazilian, believing Wolves' relegation could open a path. They are willing to invest around €40m (£34.2m).
With Atletico now reportedly out of the picture, the race for one of Wolves' most valuable players suddenly looks very different.
joao gomes transfer status
- The Wolves midfielder has been linked with an exit for months
- In May, it was said that he had rejected Zenit, Atalanta, Galatasaray and Leeds United.
- At the time, Atlético Madrid were also credited with interest.
- The Spanish club have also been linked with Morten Hjulmand
- It's likely been someone's affair - and perhaps Mendes' claims are a cover up
🇪🇸 Fer Lopez | César Peixoto and Jorge Mendes prevented Wolves exit against player's wishes https://t.co/nHTAHov3LS #wwfc #wolvesfc
- Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 7 July 2026
