Wolves wing-back Rodrigo Gomes is the subject of interest from Vitor Pereira’s former club Porto after his debut campaign in the Premier League.
Gomes was signed by Gary O’Neil from SC Braga last July and was mainly utilised as an impact substitute down the right wing.
The arrival of Vitor Pereira in December saw the Portuguese tactician tweak his position, and the 22-year-old was deployed as a wing-back on either flank.
In his first season in England, Gomes found adapting to the Premier League ‘tough’, but now that Nelson Semedo has left Molineux, he is set for a more prominent role in 2025/26.
That has increased the importance of keeping the exciting youngster, who will continue to develop under Pereira’s guidance.
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Wolves would need an ‘irrefutable’ offer to sell Rodrigo Gomes
On Thursday, news broke that Porto have shown interest in Gomes, raising concerns that Wolves could sell another one of their prized assets.
Having already sanctioned the exits of Matheus Cunha, Rayan Ait-Nouri and many others, the Old Gold can ill-afford to lose someone as talented as the Portuguese.
Thankfully, O Jogo have revealed that only an ‘irrefutable’ offer could tempt Wolves into selling the player who they captured from Braga in 2024.
The report also adds that ‘Wolves are convinced that Rodrigo Gomes will give cards in the short/medium term’, suggesting he sees his long-term future at the club, especially after Semedo’s exit.
With Wolves stalling in their attempts to sign a replacement for the 31-year-old, Gomes is battling Ki-Jana Hoever at wing-back to impress in pre-season, with their next opportunity coming against Stoke City on Saturday.
The role Rodrigo Gomes should play in 2025/26
Ahead of the new season, Gomes will be hopeful of increased game time, having only started seven times in the top flight in 2024/25.
The departure of captain Semedo will help his cause, although Wolves’ push to sign a new right wing-back suggests they don’t trust the promising youngster to become a regular starter just yet.
Wolves were dealt a blow when top target Marc Pubill made a U-turn and is now joining Atletico Madrid on a five-year contract, putting them back to square one in the search for Semedo’s successor.
As such, with only three weeks until the start of the new campaign, the Old Gold will need to get a move on to land a quality player in that position.
Currently, either Hoever or Gomes will likely start on the opening day against Manchester City on August 16.
Realistically, however, Gomes should continue to play a more sporadic role, impacting games from the bench instead of starting every week.