Manchester United have reportedly convinced Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes to leave his club, as they look to snap him up in a £50m deal.
Casemiro’s form may have improved for the Red Devils this season, but he is still past his best at the age of 33, and struggled in Monday’s 1-0 defeat at home to Everton in the Premier League.
Gomes has emerged as a potential option for United, coming in as a direct younger replacement for Casemiro, with David Ornstein saying Wolves could be forced to sell him in the January transfer window.
“There’ve been reports about Joao Gomes at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Sources I’ve spoken to around Molineux are sort of playing it down. They’re saying there’s no club-to-club talks at this point. And of course, if Wolves are staring at relegation come January, they might look to cash in on him then. As opposed to letting it go into the Championship when his value will decrease.”
Gomes looks to be a leading midfield option for United and now a fresh update has shed further positive light on the situation regarding him.
Big Joao Gomes to Man Uts claim
According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United and INEOS believe they will secure the signing of Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, with the report saying they are “making behind-the-scenes moves”.
The player himself has already said ‘yes’ to the idea, so all that’s left is for INEOS to come up with an acceptable package for the higher ups at Molineux.
Transfer insider Dean Jones shared insight on a move for the £50m-rated Brazilian, saying: “Mainoo finally got a run out against Everton, but I’m not sure how much that is going to change his feelings about being wanted at the club. If they do sign a midfielder, then it’ll open the door for him to leave. We will have to see whether the Gomes one can truly open up.”
“I think that could turn into a player versus club battle that Man Utd have to deal with if they try to get him out of Wolves, because they don’t want to sell him. They will probably hike the price up, too. Man Utd don’t have much interest in loaning Mainoo out to another Premier League club at the moment, either, so that is another issue that will need to be dealt with.”
Gomes looks like a fantastic option for United, with the Brazil international similar to Casemiro in terms of style, but being able to offer more legs than his compatriot these days.
Joao Gomes vs. Casemiro 2025/26 PL stats
Gomes
Casemiro
Appearances
12
11
Starts
10
10
Minutes played
927
683
Goals
0
3
Assists
0
1
Tackles per game
2.6
2.0
Clearances per game
1.6
1.0
Pass completion rate
85.3%
83.1%
The 24-year-old is coming right into his prime and would arrive as an immediate key man for the Red Devils, with former Wolves manager Gary O’Neill describing him as a “super talent”.
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If a January move for Gomes materialises, it will be a big boost for United, allowing Casemiro to leave for free at the end of this season without too much fuss.
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