Liverpool interest in William Gomes has grown after Porto rewarded the Brazilian winger with a new contract that raises his release clause to €100 million (£85m).
The 20-year-old has signed terms running until 2031, giving the Portuguese club a stronger negotiating position over a player who has made rapid progress since arriving in Portugal.
Liverpool monitoring Porto winger William Gomes
A Bola reports that Liverpool have been monitoring Gomes after his development under Porto manager Francesco Farioli. His previous €80m release clause has been increased by €20m under the new agreement.
Gomes is now one of three Porto attackers protected by a nine-figure clause, alongside Samu and Borja Sainz. The figure does not necessarily represent his market value, but it gives Porto greater control should interest turn into a formal approach.
Initially used mainly as a substitute, Gomes has since earned a more prominent role and established himself as a regular starter on the right wing.
Farioli has previously described the winger as having developed from a player used in the closing stages of matches into an “important and crucial player for the group”.
Gomes’ pace, direct running and willingness to take on defenders have helped attract Liverpool’s attention. He also offers a goal threat from a wide position, qualities that have made him an appealing player to monitor.
His progress has been interrupted by a grade-two ankle sprain suffered against Marítimo on October 10. He is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.
Liverpool are likely to continue watching his development rather than immediately commit to a deal worth close to the €100m clause. If Gomes resumes his progress after returning from injury, Porto may face more serious interest from Anfield.
