The highlight of Wolves’ recruitment in recent seasons has been the addition of Joao Gomes and Andre to the midfield.
There aren’t many players at Wolves who exude class like Joao Gomes and Andre.
The latter only arrived at Wolves before the start of last season, but he has become indispensable to the side since Vitor Pereira’s arrival. There were issues between the two early in the campaign, but Pereira is satisfied with Andre’s reaction.
Gomes has really come into his own in the last couple of seasons, especially since being paired with his fellow countryman.
They have formed a formidable duo in the middle of the park, but that has caught the eye of a few big clubs.
Wolves’ stance on selling Joao Gomes and Andre
Over the summer, Wolves were approached by Juventus over interest in Andre. An approach that Wolves were quick to shut down, considering their defensive midfielder untouchable.
Gomes, too, was on Tottenham’s shortlist over the summer, but again, the club weren’t interested in entertaining an offer with key departures already making it a difficult window.
As for the upcoming January window, journalist Tom Collomosse has provided some insight into what Wolves will do if offers again start flying in.
Writing for the Daily Mail, he refers to the example of Matheus Cunha from last season: “Last winter, there was huge interest in Cunha but Wolves kept the Brazilian and persuaded him to sign a new contract with an adjusted release clause.
“Wolves knew how important Cunha was to their hopes of survival and they will not make a mistake like that with any of their most important men.”
Collomosse reckons the same logic will apply for the current Wolves stars, claiming: “Brazilian midfield pair Andre and Joao Gomes are admired in different corners of Europe, with Juventus showing interest in Andre last summer.
“But Wolves would be foolish to consider allowing either to depart in mid-season.”
Wolves can’t lose any more key players
It’s too early to say how Wolves will be fixed in April, but let’s assume the current trajectory is maintained and it’s a fully-fledged battle at the bottom. Regardless of the outcome, to look back and see the squad weakened for profit just months prior would be unforgivable.
Wolves can’t give a second’s thought to selling any of the players in and around the starting XI, unless a replacement is lined up to come in straight away. Maybe not even then.
And Gomes and Andre are pretty much irreplaceable. The chemistry they have, their importance to the side, they are things that cannot be found on the market. They develop over time.
Hearing that Fosun aren’t planning to entertain offers from big clubs is encouraging. But depending on where Wolves are after Christmas, they might still have to do some business in January — getting players in the door at Molineux.