Former Wolves midfielder Dave Edwards feels new signing Joao Gomes could prove to be a replacement for Ruben Neves.
The Brazilian arrived as the club’s final addition of the January transfer window.
Gomes is an exciting signing by Wanderers, and one that is extra satisfying given the way he snubbed Lyon.
The French club attempted to hijack Wolves’ move for him. But Gomes only wanted Wanderers.
It was the player’s stance that helped bring the move to fruition.
Gomes will now work to convince Julen Lopetegui to hand him regular minutes at Molineux.
He will need to settle in. But the hope is that Gomes can soon become a regular in Wolves’ engine room.
While many have praised Wolves for the signing of Gomes, some believe that the club have moved for him knowing that Neves will be leaving in the summer.
Neves was expected to depart last summer. But ultimately no suitable offers were forthcoming.
Writing in his latest Express & Star column, Edwards agreed with that notion. He said: “Joao Gomes has loads of experience already, but the future of this boy could be very special, and I think this could be very exciting for Wolves fans.
“He is being compared to the likes of Fabinho and Casemiro, he does a little bit of everything, he can cover ground really well, and he is athletic, but he can sniff out danger too.
“The pessimist in me will be thinking he is a ready-made replacement for Ruben Neves when the time comes for him to go – but it would be good to have them both in the team for as long as possible. I think this is the most confidence I have had that someone coming through the door could really push what Neves has done.”
Joao Gomes might well take over Ruben Neves’ mantle at Wolves
It is very possible Wolves have swooped for Gomes with a potential summer departure for Neves in mind.
He’s a player that can sit in front of the back four, and he has a great passing range. Arguably, his physical attributes are better than his technical ones at this stage. But under Lopetegui he will surely improve in all areas.
Many are expecting this to be Neves’ final season at Molineux. He’s been heavily linked with Barcelona among others.
This is someone who has shown brilliant loyalty and fantastic leadership, especially this season wearing the captain’s armband.
There is a feeling of it just being Neves’ time to go. And if that does happen, hopefully Gomes is ready to become Molineux’s next hero.