Today is a somewhat sad day for Wolves fans, as it is one year to the day that the club announced the exit of Ruben Neves.
Neves left the club after six years, making a controversial move to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal.
His transfer netted Wolves around £47 million, which was a record sale at the time and went somewhat to alleviating the club’s financial struggles.
It was a bittersweet move for a lot of Wolves fans. It was horrible to see such an amazing player and Molineux icon leave, but at the same time, he was going to a club where he would have no effect on Wolves.
Some people really didn’t like it. Because Neves was probably the first player in his prime to make the switch, and he paved the way for more players to move to the SPL.
Others, like club legend Steve Bull, defended him, arguing it was a chance for Neves to set up his family and future generations.
It has been one year to the day that Wolves put out an emotional interview with Neves confirming he was moving on.
It is a year that has flown by, but at least one very good thing came out of the Portuguese maestro’s exit.
Ruben Neves exit opened the door for Joao Gomes to emerge at Wolves
Just six months before Neves left, Wolves completed a deal to sign midfielder Joao Gomes from Flamengo.
The transfer wasn’t completely plain sailing, because Lyon actually came in with a higher offer. Flamengo obviously wanted him to go there, but the player’s stance was firm; he wanted Wolves, and the move came to fruition towards the end of the January window.
Gomes would make 11 appearances under Julen Lopetegui, with six of those being starts. He was an unused substitute six times.
It was difficult for him initially, because captain Neves was obviously a staple pick. He was regularly partnered by Joao Moutinho prior to the January window. But Mario Lemina made big impression quite quickly, and then became Neves’ regular partner.
So Gomes and Moutinho had to warm the bench.
Neves left the club, and this would be the catalyst for Gomes.
He assumed Neves’ number 8 shirt, and was a regular pick in the midfield alongside Lemina for new manager Gary O’Neil. By the end of 2023/24, Gomes was sixth for Wolves players to have played the most minutes with 2868.
Gomes seriously impressed throughout the season, drawing praise for his ball-winning ability in particular. Former Old Gold midfielder Dave Edwards believes he is the best player for that particular trait he has ever seen at the club.
Now, you need only note how many reports there have been about clubs wanting to sign Gomes.
It’s clear that the sale of Neves allowed Gomes to develop, and potentially, Wolves are now sitting on a gold mine with the man know as ‘The Pitbull’.
He could sell for double what Neves went for
Neves was sold for £47 million, which was a really good fee.
It is very possible that Gomes could eventually sell for around double that figure.
Granted, he is still quite early on in his Premier League career. But Gomes has been so effective in the English top-flight, and his potential is undeniable.
Micah Richards said towards the end of last season that he felt he was ‘going to the top level’, and it’s hard to see that not happening.
Today is a bit of an emotional day for Wolves fans as they remember all the amazing moments Neves provided. But at least his sale paved the way for another potential superstar.