Manchester United have turned their attention to midfielder Joao Gomes as part of the solution to the imminent Casemiro exit this summer.
Despite the 2025/26 Premier League campaign being one of the worst in Wolves’ recent history, Joao Gomes has been a shining light for them, impressing even in the darkest of times.
Gomes has not been amongst the goals like his fellow Brazilian Casemiro, but it has been his solidity and consistency throughout the season that have been so eye-catching for potential suitors.
The 25-year-old has also shown great leadership skills this season since becoming club captain last summer, which is why the Manchester Evening News have reported that United are tracking the midfielder ahead of a possible move this summer.
He has a great ability to dictate the play of games, even against the tougher teams. The most recent examples are Wolves’ draw away at Brentford and their back-to-back wins against Liverpool and Aston Villa.
Is Gomes the right man?
Last summer, Manchester United changed its business model to focus mainly on buying players from the Premier League, rather than venturing out into other countries.
After this new model’s clear success, as evidenced by the performances of both Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, United will be even more encouraged by the prospect of signing a player like Gomes.
With Manuel Ugarte also looking to leave, the Red Devils will need to recruit more than one midfielder alongside the big-money signing of Elliot Anderson or Sandro Tonali.
This makes Gomes an even better buy, due to Wolves all but certainly getting relegated, meaning his price will surely be a lot lower than that of other targets.
However, there is definite competition for the Brazilian’s signature with clubs such as Liverpool also reportedly entering the race for Gomes. Furthermore, many reports also suggest that Gomes’ dream is to play for Liverpool, making United’s mission to secure the midfielder a whole lot harder.
Potential alternatives to Gomes
One name that has popped up a lot recently in discussions around United is Nottingham Forest’s Ibrahim Sangare. He has plenty of experience in the league, having played for almost three years in England.
Also, at six feet three inches tall, he offers much greater height and dominance in the midfield than the other players on United’s shortlist. If the club are looking to snatch a relegation player for cheap, Sangare must be looked at should Forest go down.
United have also been linked with a return move for academy graduate James Garner, after the midfielder has had his best campaign to date, becoming pivotal to Everton’s success, no matter the position.
However, after recently signing a new contract with the Toffees, a move for the 25-year-old does look more unlikely.
Read more: Manchester United react to Joao Gomes ‘agreement’ as transfer ‘fight’ emerges
Finding a cheaper option in the Premier League is going to be very difficult for United this summer, as even players such as Elliot Anderson, who could potentially be part of a relegated team, are being priced at around £80 million.
The ridiculous price tags of United’s main targets and the lack of options give the club two choices: fight for Joao Gomes and risk losing the battle and wasting their time, or look outside of England for an option and risk that their profile may not be completely compatible with the league.
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