João Gomes’ arrival at Old Trafford could represent the biggest tactical shift in Manchester United’s midfield since the peak of Casemiro’s influence.
Manchester United have turned their attention to Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder João Gomes, as they look to bolster their central midfield.
The Brazil international has emerged as a serious candidate to provide the defensive steel United currently lack — and reports suggest the Reds are preparing a move as early as January.
Gomes, 24, is not only highly rated in England but also carries the kind of physical presence and ball-winning ability that would make him an attractive addition in a Casemiro-style role.
United, for their part, are said to value him at around £44 million, according to Sky Sports’ round-up of recent media reports.
United facing Gomes competition from Liverpool
It isn’t just United who are circling Gomes. Liverpool are reportedly pushing ahead in the race for his signature, with Brazilian media putting the price tag at around £53 million.
The Reds see him as a potential upgrade in midfield — someone who can add tenacity and defensive balance, particularly in key matches.
According to Mirror Football, sources close to Wolves suggest that while the club is keen to hang on to Gomes, they have made clear that they will assess serious offers. If Liverpool were to meet the valuation, United may find themselves competing not just for the player, but also against a club more likely to offer European competition.
Moreover, Liverpool’s recruitment team are believed to have tracked Gomes since his Flamengo days, with the club confident that his aggressive ball-winning style aligns perfectly with their long-term midfield rebuild.
With Arne Slot looking to maintain Liverpool’s trademark intensity, Gomes is viewed as a player who could slot seamlessly into their pressing structure.
That long-standing interest — combined with the lure of more regular European football — means Liverpool remain a significant threat to United’s hopes of securing the Brazilian.
How Gomes could change Amorim’s United midfield
From a tactical perspective, João Gomes offers something United have lacked in recent seasons: a true ball-winning midfielder with the mobility to cover large distances and the discipline to sit when needed.
His presence could free up players like Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes, allowing them to operate higher up the pitch without being forced to drop deep during defensive phases.
In a United side that has struggled for control in big matches, Gomes’ arrival could fundamentally reshape the way Rúben Amorim — or any future manager — balances the midfield unit.
There is also a belief inside the club that Gomes’ aggressive pressing and ability to disrupt play would suit the Premier League’s most intense fixtures. High-tempo sides have often overrun United, and the addition of a midfielder who thrives in transitional moments could make them more competitive against the league’s top teams.
If the move were to materialise, Gomes would not simply be another squad addition: he could become a central pillar in United’s long-term tactical identity.
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