Man United's search for their Casemiro replacement took another unexpected turn last week
Joao Gomes is reportedly back on United's radar
Joao Gomes is reportedly back on United's radar
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The sooner Manchester United confirm the arrival of Ederson from Atalanta, the better for everyone. Transfer fatigue has well and truly set in on this deal, with United still waiting to announce the 27-year-old's arrival. Having agreed a £35m fee with Atalanta at the start of the summer, official confirmation was delayed due to his last-minute call-up to the World Cup.
However, reports have since circulated that the deal could be off. An issue with Ederson's knee was picked up in a medical, with some outlets claiming the problem has seen the transfer cancelled. United have since rebuked that suggestion, with the club insisting the deal is still alive.
Regardless, the whole saga has turned messy for United and it is now unclear what will happen next. Whether Ederson signs or not, the Reds could soon bag themselves another midfielder if they reignite their interest in one player.
Before the summer window opened, one player on United's radar was Joao Gomes. Wolverhampton Wanderers' midfielder continued to perform well, despite Wolves enduring a terrible season. Interest from United reduced as it seemed Atletico Madrid were closing in on the 25-year-old. But while the Reds were being put through the wringer with Ederson, Gomes' switch to La Liga was cancelled.
Atletico switched their focus to Sporting's Morten Hjulmand and, after confirming his arrival on Saturday, they are no longer interested in Gomes. This leaves the Brazilian in a tough situation. He is contracted to Wolves until 2030, but staying at Molineux is unlikely.
Reports suggest United are keeping an eye on Gomes again and, if they are, a deal would make sense. The midfielder fits the profile of an Ineos signing.
Firstly, his Premier League experience is a clear positive. The worry with Ederson is that the English top flight is an entirely new challenge for him.
We have seen many players perform well overseas, even in established leagues like Serie A, but then fail to bring those standards to England. Jason Wilcox's description of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo was 'plug and play' signings. Gomes could be the same for United.
Speaking of Cunha, he has already given fans reason to be excited should United pursue a deal for his former Wolves teammate.
Matheus Cunha with Joao Gomes
Matheus Cunha with Joao Gomes before he joined Manchester United
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"Maybe Casemiro," Cunha said in 2024 when asked who Gomes reminds him of. "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.
"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 won't be needing to break the bank for Gomes either. Wolves are thought to value him at £50m, a fee United could try to haggle down or pay outright considering their need for midfield reinforcements.
Wolves will be reluctant to sell, but they don't have the power to keep Gomes while in the Championship. Had they stayed up, that valuation could have been £10m-20m more, particularly after seeing Mateus Fernandes leave West Ham for £85m.
A move for Gomes ticks plenty of boxes for United. Age, experience, price tag and recommendations all point to him being a good addition for the Reds, regardless of what happens with Ederson.
But with Liverpool also thought to be sniffing around Gomes, United might need to act quickly.