Wolves are closing in on their first summer signing of the transfer window, a player who could help Gary O’Neil fix a big problem.
Gary O’Neil will hope to receive financial support from Fosun this summer, as Wolves aim to bolster their squad ahead of 2024/25.
The Old Gold coasted to a 14th-place finish last term, a position that could have both been better and worse.
After the lows of last summer’s transfer window, O’Neil will not let history repeat itself, with one new signing already close to being complete.
This week, it was reported that Wolves reached an agreement to sign Rodrigo Gomes from Braga, a player who could help the manager fix one looming issue.
Rodrigo Gomes can help Gary O’Neil fix one pending issue at Wolves
Despite being tracked by Atletico Madrid, it looks as though it will be Wolves who secure the signature of Gomes.
The 20-year-old is highly-rated after an impressive loan at Estoril, with Fabrizio Romano now reporting that the Midlands club have acted ‘fast’ to get the deal done.
READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano drops Rodrigo Gomes transfer update as Wolves prepare first summer signing
While all attention will be on Wolves getting the deal over the line and fans getting a glimpse of the Portugal U21 star in the Old Gold, there should be some consideration to how the youngster can help O’Neil.
Wolves face a ‘delicate situation’ regarding Nelson Semedo’s contract this summer, as the right-back is due to enter the final year of his current deal.
The 30-year-old will need to either sign a new deal this summer or be sold, as per the understanding of The Athletic.
While O’Neil has made it clear that he does not want to part ways with Semedo, the manager could have his separation woes eased by the arrival of Gomes.
Gomes could fill possible Nelson Semedo void
The 20-year-old is recognised as a right winger although he has been playing on the right flank in front of a defensive three at Estoril.
O’Neil would have recognised the positional versatility of the Portuguese gem, with him playing a similar game to that of Semedo at Wolves.
Lauded for his ‘incredible’ form on loan by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Gomes has the skill set to one day take the reins from Semedo at right-wing-back.
Talent scout Jacek Kulig highlighted the strengths of Wolves’ transfer target, describing him as a player who can ‘compete defensively’ in the wide channels.
‘When playing as a wing back he showed that he can compete defensively by being able to intercept the ball, make tackles and clear the ball when needed. Great pace and ability to get up and down the pitch well.’
Gomes’ skill set being so similar to that of Semedo’s gives O’Neil some breathing space when it comes to thinking about an eventual heir to the former Barcelona star.
Interestingly, the 20-year-old ranked in the top 8% of full-backs in Liga Portugal for his average of defensive actions that lead to a goal per 90, via FBref.
Only time will tell how O’Neil opts to utilise the rising talent, with the potential certainly there for Gomes to one day usurp Semedo.