Strand Larsen: Atletico Madrid shortlist Joao Gomes as Wolves brace

Atletico Madrid are exploring a move for Joao Gomes, and strand larsen sits at the center of the transfer chatter around Wolves after relegation was confirmed on Monday. Gomes is 25, under contract until 2030, and has the option of a further year, which points to a summer deal that would not come cheap.

Joao Gomes and Atletico Madrid

Gomes is on Atletico Madrid’s midfield shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window. The Spanish club have also drawn up a list that includes Atalanta midfielder Ederson, but Gomes has emerged as one of the names they are actively weighing as they prepare for a period of squad change.

Wolves’ situation has sharpened the interest. Gomes joined from Flamengo in January 2023, has made 126 appearances for the club and has featured 37 times across all competitions this season. With relegation now settled, the timing of any move shifts from speculation toward price and planning.

Wolves Contract Through 2030

The contract is the hard edge of this story. Gomes last signed fresh terms in April 2025, and that deal runs to 2030 with the option of another year, giving Wolves leverage even after a season in which the midfielder has kept playing regularly.

He has also moved into Brazil’s picture, with 10 caps since his senior debut in 2024, though he was not included in Carlo Ancelotti’s March squad. For Atletico, that profile fits a market they have already worked before this summer, with midfield changes also shaped by the departure of Conor Gallagher and Antoine Griezmann’s move to Orlando City.

Atletico’s Summer Midfield Plan

Atletico sit fourth in La Liga and face Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals next Wednesday, so the immediate focus remains on results, not recruitment. Still, Gomes is already on their shortlist, and Wolves’ relegation plus his long contract mean any approach will have to clear a significant fee before it goes anywhere.