Manchester United are reportedly entering into a transfer fight for Wolves star Joao Gomes amid the club’s need for new midfield talent.
Manchester United’s 2026 transfer priorities are becoming glaringly obvious as the club prepare for the second half of the 2025/26 campaign.
Despite Rúben Amorim’s dismissal earlier this month, the squad’s holes remain clear. United have long-wanted a new midfielder, and with the long-term futures of United’s current crop in the middle of the park in the air, multiple are likely to be signed.
It’s been widely reported that the club’s key priority is to secure at least one premium midfielder, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, and Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton on the list.
But United are also looking to bring in a secondary midfielder, with Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte likely departing once the season ends.
United locking into Gomes fight
Late last year, it was reported that one of the names on United’s list for a new midfielder was Wolves star Joao Gomes, who is having a good campaign despite their clear threat of relegation.
However, according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Napoli have been closing in on a deal to sign the player for Antonio Conte, and recently reached an agreement on personal terms with the 24-year-old.
Further, as claimed by Marca, Atletico Madrid are reportedly keen to bring him in to replace Conor Gallagher, who has just sealed a £35 million move to Tottenham, but that United are still among those interested in his signature.
United may still have an edge in the race, though, with Marca also adding that Gomes’ happiness with Premier League football means he would naturally lean toward English clubs.
Gomes wants a transfer in the summer
Marca claim that United, as well as clubs in Spain and Italy, are entering into a ‘fight’ to sign the player, and despite Atleti having the funds to sign him on paper, it is far from a guarantee.
The report stresses that Gomes’ preference to remain in the Premier League is still handing United a ‘clear advantage’ over their competition.
Gomes also reportedly prefers to remain at Wolves for the rest of the season, then move in the summer, which would suit United rather than needing to sign him in the January transfer window.
It has been claimed elsewhere that a transfer for Gomes could cost up to £45 million, but if Wolves are to be relegated, this could be lower in the summer.
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