Joao Gomes’ Wolves side were battered by West Ham on Friday night in a 4-0 defeat, but the Brazilian can hold his head high.
Wolves might not be officially relegated just yet, but a 4-0 defeat to West Ham means they are on the brink of getting the confirmation they have been aware is coming for months.
In this game, there were three midfielders in action that Manchester United would have been watching closely. United have an interest in Andre from Wolves, while West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes is on Ineos’ shortlist.
However, despite being on the losing side, Joao Gomes was the one to stand out.
JOAO GOMES for Wolves vs West Ham
Photo by Brett Patzke – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
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Joao Gomes’ impressive performance in 4-0 Wolves loss
There has been long-term interest from the Red Devils in signing Gomes, and that will persist as we head toward this summer’s midfield rebuild.
United could get Gomes for £40m to £45m, but face interest from Liverpool to get the Brazilian’s signature.
With this interest, United were sure to be watching on Friday night, and Gomes will have given scouts plenty to enjoy.
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Gomes’ passing was fairly average in the defeat, but it was his ball carrying and defending where he excelled.
In 63 touches, Gomes completed 28 carries, which totalled 330 metres of Gomes on the ball. Of this, 127 metres were progressive as he completed three of the three dribbles he attempted.
United need a midfielder capable of getting on the ball and driving the game up the pitch, which Gomes offers in abundance.
He also had a good night defensively, winning three of three tackles attempted, making four recoveries, and winning seven of his 12 duels.
Wolves’ problems have nothing to do with Gomes’ performances, which deserve much better.
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
Joao Gomes would be a strong addition to Manchester United’s dressing room
Gomes would be a good signing, potentially even the bargain of the summer at £40m, but his impact would go beyond just on the pitch.
From the outside looking in, Gomes appears to have the same demeanour as Matheus Cunha does, a joker, making his teammates happy and getting along with everyone, which is a vital part of the dressing room.
But not only this, Gomes has proven this season his mental toughness, not giving up when the going got hard at Wolves, instead continuing to play his game and working hard week after week.
These two qualities make Gomes a strong signing beyond his ability on the pitch. If Ineos are keen, this deal might be wrapped up by June, similar to how Cunha was last term.
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