Joao Gomes has made his choice between United and Liverpool
Manchester United set to lose two defensive midfielders this summer — Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte — and they will need to bring in quality replacements once the transfer window opens.
The Brazilian’s contract is up, and despite his teammates and supporters urging him to stay for one more season, the player and club have mutually agreed to part ways once the season ends.
Advertisement
As for the Uruguayan, he was signed to succeed the five-time Champions League winner, but has proven to be one of the most disappointing recent signings, and INEOS are keen to get rid of him.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton are among the club’s top targets, but the Red Devils will have to overcome many obstacles if they are to acquire one of the trio.
Midfield chase
Manchester City are leading the race for Forest ace, while the Magpies’ asking price is proving prohibitive in United’s quest to land the Italian maestro.
Advertisement
As for Wharton, the 20-time English league champions believe his gameplay is similar to that of Kobbie Mainoo and playing them both together in the same XI would not be prudent.
This is why the co-owners have been forced to cast a wider net, and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Joao Gomes has emerged as a potential low-cost alternative.
United have admired the Brazil international for some time now and even tried to sign him in January out of desperation.
Joao Gomes, a promising target
With Wolves expected to be relegated, their asking price of £60m is expected to fall between £40m and £45m, making the deal financially attractive, especially as United need more than one midfielder.
Advertisement
Despite the West Midlands side’s struggles this season, the 25-year-old, nicknamed Pitbull for his tenacity, has impressed with his work rate off the ball and understandably many clubs are chasing his signature.
United have been joined by fierce rivals Liverpool, Arsenal, Napoli and Atletico Madrid in the race, with the former Flamengo ace keen to stay in England’s top flight.
However, there is a catch. According to RTI Esporte, the Rio de Janeiro-born star prefers to move to Anfield rather than Old Trafford.
Liverpool vs United for Joao Gomes
“With relegation likely, the situation favors a possible transfer. Clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool are leading the race to sign Joao Gomes.
Advertisement
“Liverpool have established themselves as a destination which appeals to João Gomes, who is said to have already expressed an interest in playing for the club. However, the competition looks set to be fierce.
“Even though he is also attracting interest from clubs like Napoli and Atlético Madrid, João Gomes’ priority is to stay in English football, where he is already suited to the style of play and intensity of the league.
“Wolverhampton are working with an asking price of £60m to enter negotiations. With the potential drop in transfer fees, this value could fall to between £40m and £45m.”
It remains to be seen whether INEOS will give up or try harder for Joao Gomes. Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba is another long-term target on the club’s radar.
online surveys
The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
