Villa complete £38m move for Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes

Aston Villa have completed the signing of Brazil midfielder Joao Gomes from Wolves for an initial £34m, with a further £4m in potential add-ons. The 25-year-old becomes Villa's second major arrival of the week after the club-record capture of Freiburg's Johan Manzambi.

Gomes had also attracted interest from Atletico Madrid, but he left Wolves' training camp in Portugal on Thursday to undergo a medical and finalise personal terms at Villa Park. He has signed a long-term contract with Unai Emery's side, who are rebuilding their midfield after several departures.

The Brazilian joined Wolves from Flamengo in 2023 and went on to make 130 appearances, scoring seven goals. Last season he was named the club's Player of the Year despite Wolves finishing bottom of the Premier League, and he ranked among the division's most effective ball-winning midfielders.

Midfield overhaul at Villa Park

Villa were forced into the market after Amadou Onana suffered a serious knee injury while on international duty with Belgium at the World Cup. Onana is expected to be sidelined until next year, while Youri Tielemans has been sold to Manchester United for £35m and Morgan Rogers is set to join Chelsea in a £117m deal.

• Gomes made 116 Premier League appearances during his time at Molineux.
• He recorded 107 tackles last season, the third-most in the top flight.
• His 194 ball recoveries were the fourth-highest in the Premier League.
• Wolves technical director Matt Jackson praised Gomes as a 'model professional'.
• Villa won the Europa League last season and are preparing for another campaign in Europe.

What's next

Gomes is expected to slot straight into Emery's midfield, offering Premier League experience and a combative edge. With Boubacar Kamara also returning from a long-term knee injury, Villa's midfield options are quickly taking shape for the new season.