Aston Villa have completed the signing of Brazil midfielder João Gomes from Wolves in a deal worth up to £38 million as Unai Emery continues the overhaul of his squad ahead of the new season.
Villa will pay an initial £34 million for the 25-year-old, with a further £4 million in performance-related add-ons included in the agreement.
The Europa League winners beat competition from Atletico Madrid to secure the signature of the Brazil international, who has earned 10 caps for his country.
Gomes joins Villa after making 130 appearances for Wolves following his arrival from Flamengo in 2023.
Despite his performances, he was unable to prevent Wolves from suffering relegation from the Premier League last season.
Villa accelerated their move for the Brazilian following Chelsea’s agreement to sign England international Morgan Rogers in a £117 million deal that is expected to become a record transfer fee for an English player.
Emery was also forced into the market after Youri Tielemans left for Manchester United earlier this month, while Amadou Onana suffered a serious knee injury during the FIFA World Cup that is expected to keep him out until next year.
The Midlands club further strengthened the squad on Friday by completing the £50 million signing of Swiss winger Johan Manzambi from Freiburg, setting a new club-record transfer fee.
Reacting to Gomes’ departure, Wolves technical director Matt Jackson paid tribute to the midfielder.
He said: “Joao deserves everything he gets from the game.
“He’s the type of professional that coaches love and players love, so he will go on to be the outstanding player that we know he is.”
