A Manchester United transfer target has already voiced his allegiance to Liverpool
Joao Gomes of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Old Trafford on April 20, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Manchester United have been tipped to sign Joao Gomes(Image: MB Media/Getty Images)
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Manchester United will have to persuade Joao Gomes to abandon his dream of playing for Liverpool if they hope to sign him from Wolves. The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, as Ruben Amorim’s side look to bolster their midfield in 2026.
The midfielder is in his third full season at Molineux, having joined from Flamengo in January 2023 for around £15million. Gomes penned a new five-year contract with Wolves in April but following their disastrous start to the season - losing nine and drawing two of their opening 11 matches - he's been tipped to leave the Premier League's bottom-placed side.
Reports from Portugal claim United are planning a move, which the Mirror reports would likely have to wait until the summer, as Wolves aren't looking to offload any of their key players in January. It wouldn't be the first time that Gomes has played with a target on his back, having been linked with Liverpool while he was at Flamengo.
Speaking to ESPN Brazil in 2022, the Brazil international made his feelings about joining the Reds very clear. And if his comments were anything to go by, Gomes might well prefer to play under Arne Slot than Amorim next year.
"Liverpool is a team I would play for," Gomes said. "I have the greatest desire to play. Playing in the Champions League is my biggest dream and that of my family, my biggest dream in football."
However, United's return to the Champions League for the first time in three seasons could prove decisive in persuading the Brazilian to move to Old Trafford. Amorim also has someone in his squad already singing Gomes' praises.
Matheus Cunha was a team-mate of the 24-year-old at both Wolves and for Brazil, drawing comparisons between him and United midfielder Casemiro. "He is a bit older now, but I put Casemiro's name there only to show where Joao Gomes could arrive," Cunha said.
Joao Gomes of Wolverhampton Wanderers runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Craven Cottage on November 01, 2025 in London, England.
Joao Gomes previously voiced his dream of playing for Liverpool
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"I think Joao has the possibility to arrive. He is very humble, and he works a lot. The good teams come like a gift when you do that.
"He is unbelievable on the pitch. I feel very secure. I feel like I can lose the ball when I have my midfielders behind me. He played very well for the national team, too."
United are eyeing Premier League-tested stars for the next phase of Amorim's rebuild, having attempted to sign Carlos Baleba in the final weeks of the summer transfer window. Alongside Gomes on their shortlist is Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace playmaker Adam Wharton and Brighton star Baleba.
Gomes wasn't selected for the most recent Brazil internationals by Carlo Ancelotti despite earning his first cap last year. He'll be eager to play a key role in Wolves' battle against relegation and strengthen his credentials for a World Cup spot - potentially paving the way for a big transfer this summer.