Manchester United
João Gomes eyes Premier League stay as Manchester United and Liverpool are interested
João Gomes has surfaced as one of the most discussed names of the 2026 summer transfer window. Following Wolverhampton Wanderers‘ relegation from the Premier League, his exit now feels like a matter of when, not if. Manchester United and Liverpool are both leading the chase, and the Brazilian midfielder has done nothing to quiet the rumours. Gomes has gone on record saying, “Liverpool are a team I would play for; I have a great desire to play there,” a comment that has only ramped up the noise around this move.
According to CaughtOffside, Atletico Madrid have already made the first move, while Liverpool, Manchester United, and Crystal Palace are keeping a close watch on the situation. Wolves were originally holding out for £60 million, but dropping down to the Championship has changed the math. A fee between €45–50 million is now seen as a much more likely price tag.
If you look at the numbers, Gomes is a pure defensive specialist rather than a playmaker. His 107 tackles put him in the 98th percentile of all Premier League players, and his success rate in ground duels sits in the 95th percentile. These stats highlight his aggression and bite rather than his technical flair.
With just one goal and one assist in 34 games this season, he isn’t going to offer much in the final third; his non-penalty xG of 0.07 per 90 confirms he is strictly a “destroyer.” That said, his work rate and energy have earned him plenty of fans, and his high-intensity style has helped him stand out even as Wolves struggled.
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Does Gomes suit Manchester United or Liverpool better, given what both clubs actually need right now?
To be honest, Liverpool look like the better match. With Wataru Endo’s future at Anfield up in the air, the Reds need a dependable anchor who can lead the press and shield the defence, which is exactly what Gomes does best. On the other hand, Manchester United are hunting for a long-term successor to Casemiro, and Gomes would certainly provide the legs and defensive cover they’ve been missing.
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However, Fabrizio Romano has pointed out that Gomes isn’t at the very top of United’s list, with Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson currently seen as bigger priorities. Liverpool have fewer names on their midfield shortlist and seem ready to move faster, making Anfield the frontrunner for the Brazilian’s signature this summer.
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