Manchester United’s summer midfield rebuild just hit a snag, but they might already have a new target locked in. After agreeing to sign Atalanta’s Ederson, medical tests flagged an issue and the deal is now off. That’s according to Brazilian outlet GE Globo, which reports United have shifted focus to Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Joao Gomes.
Gomes is no stranger to transfer drama. He came close to joining Atletico Madrid earlier this window for around €45 million, but that move fell through too. Now a handful of clubs are circling. Liverpool have been monitoring the 25-year-old Brazilian. But United have a longer history with him, and sources suggest he’d be open to a move to Old Trafford.
Why Gomes Makes Sense for United
Michael Carrick’s side need a midfielder who can do the dirty work. Last season exposed a lack of bite in the middle of the park, especially after Casemiro’s form dipped in the second half of the campaign. Gomes fits that mold. He’s an excellent tackler, covers a ton of ground, and has three-and-a-half Premier League seasons under his belt — even if he couldn’t keep Wolves from relegation last term.
His former Wolves teammate Matheus Cunha has called him an ‘unbelievable’ player and said he reminds him of Casemiro. That’s high praise, but Gomes has the numbers to back it up. He ranked among the top midfielders in the league for tackles and interceptions per game last season. At €45 million, he could end up being a steal in a market where elite defensive midfielders usually go for way more.
The Chelsea Wildcard
There’s another layer here: United are also reportedly interested in Chelsea’s Andrey Santos, who spent last season on loan at Strasbourg. It’s not clear if they’d try to sign both or just one. But the fact that they’re looking at two young Brazilian midfielders suggests Carrick wants to build a younger, more energetic engine room. Gomes is 25, Santos is 21. Either would bring something different.
What makes this interesting is Gomes’ Premier League experience. He’s already proven he can handle the physicality and pace of the league. That’s not something every transfer target can say. And for a team that needs to hit the ground running after a rough season, that matters.
United haven’t confirmed anything yet. No bids have been made public. But with the Ederson deal dead and the midfield still thin, don’t be surprised if this one heats up fast.
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