Dave Edwards: Wolves have lost a hero in Joao Gomes - but the £38m fee feels light

A £38 million deal has been agreed for the midfielder, which will leave some supporters wondering whether Wolves could have secured more for a 25-year-old Brazil international with significant Premier League experience and years still left on his contract.

When you look at recent deals for players such as Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, Joao Gomes is a player who belongs in that bracket. However, Wolves’ relegation and their need to get their own transfer business moving may have played a part in accepting a fee slightly below what they would have hoped for.

But while the fee can be debated, there is no doubt about what Joao Gomes leaves behind at Molineux. For me, he leaves as an absolute hero.

In three-and-a-half years and 130 appearances, he showed everyone what it means to play for Wolverhampton Wanderers, and the supporters completely bought into him.

He became the heartbeat of the midfield. His all-action style, ability to win the ball back, pressing and box-to-box energy made him a player fans could connect with.

He played every game like it was his last. You could see how much defeats hurt him and how much victories meant to him. That is all you want as a Wolves supporter - a player who gives everything and wears the shirt with pride.

Joao Gomes certainly did that.

He has given me some special memories watching Wolves, especially alongside my son. Joao has always been his favourite player. He has had his name on the back of his shirts, and I remember being away at Fulham when Wolves won 4-1 and Joao scored a brilliant goal.

That remains one of my favourite experiences at a football match with my son, and Joao played a huge part in creating that memory.

I do think the move to Aston Villa is a good one for Joao Gomes.

The Premier League suits him perfectly. He is built for the physicality and intensity of English football.

He is the best player I have seen up close when it comes to pressing and winning the ball back. It is not an easy skill to master, but Joao goes to win possession and, more often than not, succeeds.

He will pick up the occasional booking because of that aggressive style, but his ability to regain possession is outstanding.

I am sure he will be a fantastic signing for Aston Villa, who are looking to strengthen their squad while operating within financial fair play rules.

With players such as Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers and Lucas Digne moving on, Joao Gomes represents a smart signing. He is still improving, has Premier League experience and has plenty of his career ahead of him.

It could also benefit his Brazil ambitions. Looking at their midfield options, I believe Joao should have been involved more regularly. His energy and work rate are qualities that can complement a team full of flair.

Now Wolves must find a replacement.

Cesar Peixoto has said the club need a high-quality addition, and I agree.

Wolves have options in Boubacar Traore, Tommy Doyle, Andre and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, but replacing Joao Gomes is about more than finding another midfielder. It is about finding someone with the same hunger, personality and connection with the supporters.

I would not expect Wolves to spend the entire £38 million on one player, but they need to invest a significant chunk of it into finding someone young, hungry and willing to buy into the club in the same way Joao did.

There are players out there, and hopefully Cesar Peixoto and Matt Jackson can find the right one.

If Wolves can bring in someone with similar quality, work rate and commitment, they will have done an excellent job.

For now, though, it is about saying thank you.

Thank you to Joao Gomes for everything he has given Wolves.

He is a player I have always admired, and I feel fortunate to have watched him play in gold and black. I have no doubt he will continue to go from strength to strength in the next stage of his career.