Brazilian midfielder Joao Gomes is back on Manchester United’s radar. It could be a shrewd move.
It’s no secret that central midfield is a priority area for Manchester United to strengthen, but it could be the toughest to solve.
United have identified several top Premier League targets; Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton. All of these are going to be highly expensive, and unlikely to be available in January.
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Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes is an alternative option. Portuguese newspaper Record claim he is valued at around £44 million – however, it is uncertain whether they would sell mid-season either.
Ranked bottom of the Premier League, Wolves have just replaced their manager, and selling a coveted midfielder like Gomes mid-season could be a move of self-sabotage.
The only temptation for them is the cash, whether they believe they could re-invest the money to strengthen in multiple areas. Again, not easy in January.
Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty ImagesJoao Gomes move should appeal to Manchester United
Whether a move is possible for Joao Gomes, is yet to be determined, but it is quite clear that the midfielder would be a useful asset for Manchester United.
Gomes, 24, is a Brazil international with 10 caps to his name since making his Selecao debut last year.
Crucially, there is no adaptation period required if he moves to Manchester United, a problem for some of the club’s previous foreign imports.
Gomes has already acclimatised to the Premier League, making 103 appearances for Wolves. His acquisition would follow the path of former teammate Matheus Cunha, who would also help him settle in Manchester.
Speaking to Wolves’ media earlier this season, Gomes reflected: “I think the way I play goes hand in hand with the league’s pace.
“The matches are more physical, there’s more fight over the ball, so I would say so. I think I was born to play here.”
The old-fashioned view of Brazilian players as solely flamboyant, flair players who are too lightweight for the English game is outdated nowadays, demonstrated by Manchester United midfielder Casemiro.
Gomes is more Casemiro than Kleberson, and clearly embraces the scrappier side of the game. With serious experience already under his belt in the Premier League, he could hit the ground running at Manchester United.
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This season Joao Gomes’ performances compare credibly against the more expensively touted alternative, Carlos Baleba.
Gomes has created more chances and made more than twice as many tackles as the Brighton midfielder.
⚽ Midfield Comparison: Joao Gomes vs Carlos Baleba (2025/26) Statistic Joao Gomes (Wolves) Carlos Baleba (Brighton) Matches Played 11 11 Minutes Played 836 650 Goals / Assists 0 / 0 0 / 0 Pass Completion % 86% 85% Chances Created 5 2 Total Tackles 27 12 Interceptions 11 10
Ineos might even end up signing more than one midfielder next summer, with Manuel Ugarte’s woeful form showing he could head out, along with Casemiro’s expiring contract.
Gomes is not the biggest name, but he could be a shrewd addition, a clever signing who could be part of the solution as Manchester United restructure the midfield.
Ugarte has struggled to adapt to English football since his move from PSG. This is a hurdle Gomes has already overcome.