Manchester United have reportedly shifted their focus to Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes after a frustrating summer transfer window that has seen several of their priority targets slip through their grasp.
The Red Devils began the transfer window determined to strengthen the heart of Michael Carrick’s midfield with two new additions ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. However, with pre-season now underway at Carrington, the club are still waiting to welcome their first new signing of the summer.
United’s top target was understood to be Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson, but the England international instead completed a blockbuster £116 million move to Premier League rivals Manchester City.
The Old Trafford club also failed in their pursuit of Mateus Fernandes, with the Portuguese midfielder opting to join Tottenham Hotspur in an £85 million deal. Sandro Tonali was another player heavily linked with United before he too made the switch to Spurs.
United had looked set to secure Atalanta midfielder Ederson before the FIFA World Cup after agreeing a £38 million fee with the Italian side. However, the proposed transfer collapsed before it could be completed, with reports suggesting concerns over the Brazilian’s medical were behind the breakdown.
Following that setback, United have redirected their attention towards Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes.
The Brazilian was previously in discussions over a move to Atletico Madrid through his representative Jorge Mendes, seemingly ending United’s hopes of landing the 25-year-old. However, after negotiations with the Spanish club failed to reach a conclusion, United have revived their interest and reopened talks with Wolves.
Gomes enjoyed another impressive Premier League campaign in 2025/26, missing just three league matches all season, including Wolves’ home meeting with Manchester United.
Joao Gomes price tag revealed as Liverpool enter the race
Manchester United are expected to face strong competition if they are to sign Gomes.
Atletico Madrid had been closing in on a €45 million (£38 million) agreement for the midfielder, a fee similar to the amount United had been prepared to pay for Ederson before that deal collapsed.
United have now resumed negotiations with Wolves for the highly-rated Brazilian, who has been labelled “insane” by the club’s official podcast.
However, the race for Gomes’ signature is far from straightforward, with Liverpool also understood to be in talks with Wolves as they look to strengthen their own midfield options this summer.