Flamengo's vice-president has shut down recent rumours over Liverpool-linked Joao Gomes, who has been the subject of increasing transfer speculation.
The Brazilian midfielder has been mentioned as a possible target for the Reds of late, with the player himself admitting a move to Anfield was something he 'dreams' of as a professional footballer. Much to the delight of his current employers, however, Gomes recently agreed a contract extension with the club until 2027.
Talk of one of Flamengo's star players potentially being on the move appears to have not been well-received by those at the club as they build up to next month's all-important Copa Libertadores final against fellow Brazilian side, Athletico Paranaense.
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Explaining his reaction to the noise surrounding Gomes' future, Flamengo's vice president, Marcos Braz, told ESPN: "It was said that there was some discomfort, a relationship problem. The relationship with João Gomes was always the best possible, speaking personally and as vice president of the football department.
"There was no proposal for João Gomes, there was no consultation for him," added Braz on reported interest from other clubs. "So, it’s a lot of lies that have been propagated about João Gomes since the beginning of these renewal issues. But if you ask me if next year, in the middle of the year, I think there will be something, I’ll say: ‘I think’. Due to the size of the player, for what he has become, for being a player, today, Flamengo’s starter.
"So, it’s natural for the market out there to pass a magnifying glass over this player, but there’s nothing. We are very happy and I am absolutely sure that he is very happy with the Flamengo board. I understand the fans' situation, I understand the criticisms, but they [fans], sometimes, they don't have the complete information to make the decision, to position themselves."
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