Manchester United’s midfield will be a top priority in the summer 2026 transfer window. Here’s why Joao Gomes should be first through the door.
With Casemiro leaving, Manchester United’s need to strengthen in midfield is essential. There have been numerous players linked already.
One player in the mix is Joao Gomes. Here is our view on why he should be the first player in…
Joao Gomes playing in blue Wolves kit
Photo by Brett Patzke – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Getting a player in early is essential
Summer 2026 could be a complicated one due to the World Cup. Expensive targets like Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton are expected to head to USA 2026, making a deal difficult.
Selling clubs would prefer to sell after the tournament in case their valuation increases. And if England go far, this could push deals into late July or August – after pre-season has already begun.
Casemiro’s exit means United will be light on numbers in midfield, and with United requiring two new faces, it is essential to get a midfielder in early.
Joao Gomes would be an ideal solution. While he has represented Brazil, he is not in favour under Carlo Ancelotti, and there would be no complications or delays with a move.
Gomes’ early arrival would give the squad a lift immediately with a fresh face, and take some pressure off.
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He would essentially be an upgrade on Manuel Ugarte, still providing squad space for United to spend big on an elite Casemiro replacement.
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Joao Gomes is an easy deal to do
Manchester United struck an early deal with Wolves last summer to sign Matheus Cunha, and it could make a lot of sense to repeat this.
A move for Joao Gomes would be fairly easy to execute. Wolves are set to be relegated, and this has been fairly obvious since late last year.
There has been time for United to lay the groundwork and discuss terms, so that Gomes can be signed early as soon as the current season is completed.
Just like buying Gomes early will be useful for United, an early sale will also be helpful for Wolves, who will begin their rebuilding process with cash in the bank.
Gomes has been with Wolves since January 2023, and is ready for a new challenge.
Matheus Cunha thinks Joao Gomes could be as good as Casemiro
“Maybe Casemiro. He is a bit older now, but I put Casemiro’s name there only to show where Joao Gomes could arrive.
“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.”
Cunha on Gomes in 2024
Cost-effective, Premier League proven
Joao Gomes could be available for under £40 million, a fee United can offset from selling Rasmus Hojlund. It would not even impact the £150 million net that the club are expected to have available.
Gomes’ arrival would make a lot of sense. He has two-and-a-half seasons of Premier League experience, with more than 120 appearances. He also has 10 caps for Brazil.
The 25-year-old will add fresh legs and energy to United’s midfield, becoming a very useful squad player to have around amid Champions League rotation.
He was very effective as Wolves earned a 1-1 draw against United at Old Trafford earlier this season, winning 6/9 duels and completing 91 per cent of his passes. He missed United’s win at Molineux due to suspension.
Given a bigger platform at United, Gomes could rise to the challenge and likely overperform the fee the club pay for him.
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