João Gomes is quickly becoming one of the more interesting names in this summer’s transfer window. Wolves’ drop from the Premier League has shifted his situation dramatically. Once pegged at around £60 million, he’s now being seen as a prime “opportunity transfer", according to Caught Offside.

Their report digs into how the Wolves’ financial state is putting pressure on their key players. Gomes, at 25, is at a critical point in his career. With Brazil’s World Cup plans on the horizon, the idea of spending a season in the Championship doesn’t sit well with him, especially with some big European clubs watching closely.

Atletico Madrid has already made contact, while Liverpool, Manchester United, and, interestingly, Crystal Palace are following the situation carefully.

That pretty much sums up the intensity surrounding his potential move.

When it comes to his style on the pitch, Gomes is known for his intensity. He’s a combative midfielder, aggressive in tackles, covering ground constantly, and doing the gritty work that lets creative players shine. The phrase “all-action” really captures what he brings to the table.

Even through a tough season for Wolves, Gomes maintained a competitive edge that stood out. Relegation can highlight team weaknesses, sure, but it can also reveal who’s capable of playing at a higher level. Gomes clearly fits in the latter group.

For Liverpool and Manchester United, his profile makes a lot of sense. Both clubs need midfielders who bring energy, tenacity, and defensive reliability. Gomes offers that without the typical price tag linked to players already proven in the Premier League elite.

Liverpool’s interest feels quite natural. Caught Offside points out that “Liverpool admire his pressing ability and dynamism", and reports suggest Gomes himself might be open to a switch to Anfield.

That’s sure to catch the eye of supporters. Liverpool has long favoured players who combine technical skill with a relentless work rate. Gomes might not be the flashiest name out there, but his determination and high energy could address areas Liverpool has struggled with, especially in tight matches.

He could add bite to midfield battles, quick recovery in transitions, and a hunger for pressing. For a team working to regain control and dominance, those are valuable traits.

Manchester United’s interest also makes sense. Caught Offside notes that “Manchester United view Gomes as a cost-effective replacement for Casemiro, bringing energy and aggression to their midfield.”

That gets right to the heart of their midfield challenge. With Casemiro’s decline, there’s a clear need for someone younger who can cover more ground and bring back intensity to a part of the pitch that’s often been vulnerable.

Gomes wouldn’t be a headline superstar signing but rather a practical, impactful solution. Sometimes those are the kinds of moves that quietly shift a team’s momentum.

Wolves’ relegation has definitely weakened their negotiating position. Gomes is tied to them until 2030 and earns £105,000 per week, but the initial £60 million valuation seems to have dropped. The current expectation is closer to €45–50 million.

That price point opens the door for a few clubs. Atletico’s interest aligns with Simeone’s taste for tough, hard-working midfielders. Crystal Palace’s involvement is more unexpected, though the chance to play regularly in the Premier League could be a strong pull.

Caught Offside suggests the most likely scenario is that Gomes stays in the Premier League, with either United or Liverpool leading the bidding at around £40 million.

If that holds, this could turn into one of the most contested midfield transfers of the summer. Gomes ticks the boxes on profile, motivation, and market conditions to draw serious attention. For Wolves, the choice might narrow down to selling sooner rather than later.

Regis Le Bris isn’t about to let Sunderland repeat last year’s wild transfer spree. He’s pretty clear: the team won’t be bringing in a dozen new faces like before. Instead, he thinks just three or four smart signings should be enough to take them up a notch.

Last season, after their play-off win, Sunderland went on a signing blitz: 14 new players and a totally revamped squad. They spent over £150 million, and you can see the impact in the league table. Right now, they’re sitting 13th with 47 points, heading into the last three games.

With another summer window coming up, Le Bris sees a chance to strengthen the team. But he’s set on avoiding another rebuild. He believes the team’s solid foundation, built over this past season, means they don’t need anything drastic.

“We’ve got a strong platform,” Le Bris said. Fourteen new signings helped us perform well and build good connections throughout the squad. There’s still plenty we can improve, though. Sometimes you have to move people on to refresh the group and adjust ambitions, but honestly, that’s not something we need right now.”

He wants to build on what they’ve already created. The plan is to add a handful of players, enough to make the starting XI stronger and boost the squad’s core group. That’s the goal.

Last summer’s transfers were led by Kristjaan Speakman, but he’s gone now. Florent Ghisolfi runs things, and he’s made a bunch of backroom changes. Le Bris thinks these moves have put Sunderland in a much better spot to make thoughtful improvements this time around.

“We won’t be doing what we did last summer,” he said. “We’ll look to strengthen some areas, but we’re moving into a new phase. The transfer window really shapes the season; if you get it wrong, things can go south fast. It’s tough to predict how new players will settle, with all the different backgrounds and team dynamics. But now, we’re more organised; we’ve got more people and better tools to scout the market. Before, we had to focus on certain countries or leagues. Now, we can look wider. Let’s see what happens.”

Last season, the club knew its squad wasn’t ready for Premier League survival. Now, they have a group of players who’ve shown they can handle it. The focus is on keeping things steady, though they’ll admit there are some spots that need work.

“Will most of this season’s team be here next year? Probably. I hope so,” said Le Bris. “We’ve already started planning with the performance staff. We’re not starting from zero; there are 38 games behind us, plenty of tactical experience, reviews, and preparations.

The culture is stronger now. We’re thinking at a deeper level, not just the basics anymore. Reinforcing those foundations is always important; details don’t matter if the core isn’t solid, but with this kind of stability, we’re in a good place.”

Other clubs might try to snatch Sunderland’s top talents, and some names, Robin Roefs, Nordi Mukiele, Noah Sadiki, and Brian Brobbey, are attracting attention. But Le Bris doesn’t see a fire sale in the cards.

“The club doesn’t need to sell,” he said. “But hey, in football, a huge offer can change things. No one ever knows for sure. There’ll be less chaos next season, but unpredictability never disappears, whether it’s football or just life.”