United have identified several top Premier League targets<\/a>; Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton. All of these are going to be highly expensive, and unlikely to be available in January.<\/p>\n Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes<\/a> is an alternative option. Portuguese newspaper Record<\/a> claim he is valued at around \u00a344 million \u2013 however, it is uncertain whether they would sell mid-season either.<\/p>\n Ranked bottom of the Premier League<\/a>, Wolves have just replaced their manager, and selling a coveted midfielder like Gomes mid-season could be a move of self-sabotage.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Gomes, 24, is a Brazil international<\/a> with 10 caps to his name since making his Selecao debut last year.<\/p>\n Crucially, there is no adaptation period required if he moves to Manchester United, a problem for some of the club\u2019s previous foreign imports.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Speaking to Wolves\u2019 media<\/a> earlier this season, Gomes reflected: \u201cI think the way I play goes hand in hand with the league\u2019s pace. <\/p>\n \u201cThe matches are more physical, there\u2019s more fight over the ball, so I would say so. I think I was born to play here.\u201d<\/p>\n The old-fashioned view of Brazilian players<\/a> as solely flamboyant, flair players who are too lightweight for the English game is outdated nowadays, demonstrated by Manchester United midfielder Casemiro<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Who should start as striker for Man Utd with Benjamin Sesko injured? How Joao Gomes compares to Carlos Baleba<\/p>\n This season Joao Gomes\u2019 performances compare credibly against the more expensively touted<\/a> alternative, Carlos Baleba<\/a>.<\/p>\n Gomes has created more chances and made more than twice as many tackles as the Brighton midfielder.<\/p>\n \u26bd 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 <\/p>\n Ineos might even end up signing more than one midfielder next summer, with Manuel Ugarte\u2019s woeful form<\/a> showing he could head out, along with Casemiro\u2019s expiring contract<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n![\"mail](\"https:\/\/cdn2.grv.media\/uploads\/1\/2025\/10\/mail.png\")
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Photo by Judit Cartiel\/Getty ImagesJoao Gomes move should appeal to Manchester United<\/p>\n