Joao Gomes hands Manchester United January 2026 transfer boost

Manchester United are on the brink of a midfield rebuild, with Joao Gomes emerging as a key name on their shortlist.

The summer saw The Red Devils focus on their attack, signing Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford and Matheus Cunha from Wolves.

Now, Cunha could see himself reunited with his former teammate, Gomes, as a move from the Molineux could be on the horizon.

United’s priorities are well known to be Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba, however a move to Old Trafford for any of the three can’t happen until the summer.

The priority trio are all being slapped with a £100 million price tag, valuing them out of a January move.

As such, some other options have been floated around, with Joao Gomes, Ruben Neves and James Garner being potential winter signings.

However, Gomes has handed United a major boost, handing them the edge over interested European giants like Atletico Madrid and Napoli.

Brazilian outlet GE Globo has reported that Joao Gomes is keen to remain in the Premier League if he does leave Wolves this month.

The report explains that Napoli have contacted Wolves over his availability, however the midfielder is keen for a move to another top English side.

Wolves are understood to be valuing Gomes at around £43 million, making him a much cheaper option than Wharton, Anderson or Baleba.

However, United are also keen to hold firm to their transfer strategy, especially with Michael Carrick only being a caretaker manager for the rest of the season.

Their approach this month is to only go for long-term targets if they become available, or if their hands are forced by other interested parties.

As Gomes was always seen as an opportunity signing rather than a priority, it’s unknown at this stage if a move could be on the cards for the next few weeks.