Manchester United’s list of potential 2026 midfield signings is long, but Joao Gomes is one of the standout names who could be attainable.
There looks set to be an overhaul of Manchester United’s midfield department in the summer transfer window, with the current options simply failing to meet Ruben Amorim’s demands.
United have been linked with countless midfielders already, ranging from players ready to slot right into the first team and some wonderkids for the future.
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One option sees United looking into a deal for Joao Gomes, the Wolves midfielder who is far too good to be in a relegation scrap.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty ImagesRob Edwards discusses Joao Gomes transfer links to Manchester United
Gomes represents an excellent deal for whoever manages to sign him in 2026, with Wolves certain to taste relegation, and therefore, he will be available on the cheap.
Who is your dream Manchester United signing in 2026?
The Brazilian is Premier League proven and a fraction of the price Adam Wharton or Elliot Anderson would cost.
Now, the new Wolves boss, Rob Edwards, has admitted that Gomes’ future has been discussed this week, although the player is unfazed, as quoted by Liam Keen.
“We’ve spoken about stuff (recruitment) but my focus has been on getting the team organised. We have got some good players and there will always be interest, but I’m not aware of anything. Joao has been excellent this week.”
On January/Joao Gomes rumours: “We’ve spoken about stuff (recruitment) but my focus has been on getting the team organised. We have got some good players and there will always be interest, but I’m not aware of anything. Joao has been excellent this week.” #wwfc
— Liam Keen (@LiamKeen_Star) November 21, 2025
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This shouldn’t be a shock, as United in Focus exclusively revealed that Wolves promised Edwards they wouldn’t sell his best players, which Gomes certainly is.
Encouragingly, Gomes hasn’t been affected by links, something which has derailed Carlos Baleba’s career this season since he was linked with United.
If United want to bring Gomes in to bolster the poor midfield, Wolves could be tempted in January as they’ll get a higher fee than in the summer, with relegation likely to happen anyway.
Joao Gomes could be the market opportunity Manchester United must take
In 2026, Manchester United seem to already have a set plan, with midfield the position needing the most TLC, having been neglected for years.
United want to continue signing Premier League proven and Gomes would likely cost less than half what Anderson or Wharton would.
Matheus Cunha thinks Joao Gomes could be as good as Casemiro
“Maybe Casemiro. He is a bit older now, but I put Casemiro’s name there only to show where Joao Gomes could arrive.“I think Joao has the possibility to arrive. He is very humble, and he works a lot. The good teams come like a gift when you do that.”
Cunha on Gomes in 2024
One United player who would be thrilled to see Gomes is Matheus Cunha, with the former Wolves star knowing exactly how good he is.
Gomes is potentially the ideal Casemiro replacement, being an all-action midfield star who can do it all.
It would be a no-brainer.