Manchester United were able to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves this summer but may face a battle if they want to prise Joao Gomes away from the Midlands side
Joao Gomes is one of Wolves' prized assets and has been linked with a move to Manchester United
Joao Gomes is one of Wolves' prized assets and has been linked with a move to Manchester United
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Manchester United will not be able to sign Wolves star Joao Gomes by activating a release clause in his contract as the Brazilian doesn't have one with the Midlands club. Gomes, 24, signed a new five-year deal with Wolves in April of this year.
In doing so, the midfielder committed his future to Wolves until 2030. His new deal also reportedly included an option for a further year with the club, who have just appointed Rob Edwards as manager after sacking Vitor Pereira earlier this month.
With no release clause in Gomes' contract, the means through which United were able to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves this summer, the Red Devils could now be at the mercy of Wolves' demands for the star.
Cunha joined United this summer after the Red Devils met his £62.5 million buy-out clause, therefore signing the player at less than his market rate. Gomes is now in his third full season at Molineux, having joined from Flamengo in January 2023 for around £15m.
Such is United's interest in Gomes that Cunha has welcomed the prospect of playing alongside his former team-mate and compatriot at United one day. The United forward even compared him to current United star Casemiro.
"He is a bit older now, but I put Casemiro's name there only to show where Joao Gomes could arrive," Cunha said. "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."
Joao Gomes (L) and Matheus Cunha look on
Joao Gomes (L) and Matheus Cunha during their days together at Wolves(Image: 2024 Wolverhampton Wanderers FC)
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United could face stiff competition for Gomes from bitter rivals Liverpool, however. While he was at Flamengo, the Brazil star claimed that the Reds would be the team he would like to play for should he make a big money move one day.
"Liverpool is a team I would play for," Gomes told ESPN Brazil at the time. "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."
United are said to be looking at Premier League-proven stars for the next step of Ruben Amorim's rebuild. The Red Devils tried to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton in the final weeks of the summer transfer window.
Alongside the Seagulls star, United are also believed to be interested in Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace playmaker Adam Wharton as United look to sure up their engine room.
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