Crystal Palace Wolves Striker Transfer Doubt: Jorgen Strand Larsen
- Crystal Palace submitted a £50 million bid for Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder João Gomes on january 29, 2026, but the offer was rejected.
- João Gomes, a 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder, joined wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2023 from Flamengo for a reported fee of £12 million.
- Gomes earned his first cap for the Brazil national team on November 17,2023,in a 1-0 World Cup qualifying win against Colombia.
Crystal Palace’s Pursuit of João Gomes
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Crystal Palace submitted a £50 million bid for Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder João Gomes on january 29, 2026, but the offer was rejected. The bid highlights Crystal Palace’s ambition to strengthen their midfield during the January transfer window.
João Gomes’ Background and Performance
João Gomes, a 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder, joined wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2023 from Flamengo for a reported fee of £12 million. Wolves officially announced his signing on August 18, 2023. He has become a key player for Wolves, known for his energetic performances, tackling ability, and passing range. In the 2025/2026 season, Gomes has started 18 Premier League matches for Wolves, completing 87.5% of his passes and making an average of 2.8 tackles per game, according to official Premier league statistics.
Gomes earned his first cap for the Brazil national team on November 17,2023,in a 1-0 World Cup qualifying win against Colombia. FIFA provides match details.
Details of Crystal Palace’s bid
Crystal Palace’s £50 million bid, submitted on January 29, 2026, consisted of an initial offer of £40 million plus £10 million in add-ons, contingent on Gomes achieving certain performance-related milestones. The Guardian reported on the bid details. Wolves swiftly rejected the offer, valuing Gomes at a higher price, reportedly closer to £60 million.
wolverhampton Wanderers’ Stance
Wolverhampton Wanderers are reluctant to sell João Gomes mid-season, viewing him as a crucial component of their squad. Gary O’Neil, the Wolves manager, has publicly stated his desire to retain Gomes, emphasizing his importance to the team’s tactical setup. The Express & Star quoted O’Neil on January 30, 2026. The club is reportedly open to negotiations, but only for a considerably higher offer that reflects Gomes’ value and potential.
Potential Alternatives for Crystal Palace
Should their pursuit of João Gomes prove unsuccessful, Crystal Palace is reportedly considering choice midfield targets, including Sander Berge of Sheffield United and Youssouf Fofana of Monaco. Sky Sports detailed potential alternatives on January 30, 2026. The club is prioritizing strengthening its midfield to provide more stability and creativity in the second half of the Premier League season.