A new midfielder is on the cards for Manchester United this summer, and they are reportedly eyeing a Premier League talent. A reset is required in the middle of the park ahead of Casemiro’s departure.
The Brazilian midfielder is set to leave the club when his contract expires in June. The 32-year-old has been a key player for the Reds this season, and he will need to be replaced.
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba remains a top target for United. The Cameroonian isn’t the only option for INEOS as they look to bolster the team’s midfield options.
Man United go for Gomes
There is a chance that Manchester United opt to sign two central midfielders this summer. Manuel Ugarte’s disappointing spell at Old Trafford has cast doubts over the Uruguayan’s future.
According to Brazilian journalist Julio Manuel Neto, approaches have been made by the Reds for Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes. They are joined in the race for the 25-year-old by Italian giants Napoli.
Gomes will undoubtedly be on the move this summer if, as expected, Wolves suffer relegation. He has been one of their standout performers in a dismal period for the club.
The versatile midfielder has made 29 appearances across competitions this season, posting one assist. He can play in attacking midfield as well as defensive midfield, which will be of huge use to United.
Neto ruled Flamengo out of contention to swoop for Gomes despite rumors of the Brazilian club looking to bring him back to his homeland. He joined Wolves back in early 2023 and has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent years.
Wolves man shouldn’t be a priority
There is an obvious need for Manchester United to sign a Casemiro replacement this summer. Gomes isn’t the solution, although he is an enticing market opportunity, especially when Wolves drop to the EFL Championship.
Gomes, dubbed ‘quality’ by former manager Vitor Pereira, could be available for a cut-price fee if Rob Edwards’ side are sent packing from the Premier League. The price the Reds would be looking at, according to Sport Witness, could be around the £33.5m (€40m) mark, which is a more than reasonable fee.
The Brazilian ticks plenty of boxes for United but shouldn’t be prioritised over the likes of Brighton’s Baleba, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson. Arriving alongside one of the Premier League duo could be a possibility, especially if Ugarte is moved on.
Gomes’ chances of arriving at the Theatre of Dreams might depend on the trio. The Daily Mail reports that the club are expecting to sign two of the three young midfielders, and that suggests the Brazilian could be a Plan B.
