Manchester United’s indecision in the transfer market is set to cost them as another long-term target in a position of weakness for the Red Devils has agreed a move elsewhere.Rebuilding the midfield...
Manchester United’s indecision in the transfer market is set to cost them as another long-term target in a position of weakness for the Red Devils has agreed a move elsewhere.
Rebuilding the midfield
INEOS are intent on upgrading the midfield this year, with the bulk of this summer’s budget to be directed towards the failing engine room.
There are question marks over every member of the current cohort – Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte – with two new recruits expected to arrive.
The club’s first-choice target is Nottingham Forest and England talisman Elliot Anderson. However, Crystal Palace maestro Adam Wharton and Brighton & Hove Albion starlet Carlos Baleba, who United made attempts to sign last summer, also feature highly on the list.
However, all three are set to cost in excess of £100 million, once agent fees and add-ons are included. This likely means only one will be affordable for United, with a cheaper alternative brought in alongside them.
One option on the recruitment department’s radar is Joao Gomes, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ midfield dynamo – a rare bright spot at Molineux in an otherwise miserable campaign.
Joao Gomes Stats: 2025/26 Season
United were said to be interested in the 24-year-old Brazilian as an option in January, with reports even suggesting he had agreed to swap the Black Country for Manchester.
However, Old Trafford has been sent into a state of chaos since INEOS’s decision to sack Ruben Amorim last week – with The Athletic revealing the club’s full attention has been directed towards the dugout, rather than the pitch.
This has allowed Napoli to steal a march in the race for Gomes by reaching an agreement for the Wolves midfielder yesterday, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
Napoli strike first
Di Marzio states the Serie A champions identified Gomes as the “ideal candidate” to upgrade Antonio Conte’s side, with negotiations opened with his representatives.
And the Italian transfer expert reveals an “agreement has been reached with the player”, though he notes a club-to-club deal is yet to be struck.
Interestingly, Napoli are planning only to sign Gomes at the end of the season – but are moving now to “practically block” any other suitors, such as United, from getting there first.
This arrangement would be well-received by Wolves as they battle to avoid relegation, with Rob Edwards’ side stranded firmly at the bottom of the Premier League table. This improbable feat would be made far more achievable by keeping the team’s best midfielder at Molineux until the summer.
United still have the chance to make a last-minute bid for Gomes, but time is running out for a dramatic hijack to have any chance of succeeding.Featured image Naomi Baker via Getty Images
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Category: General Sports
