With the emergence of another international break comes the inevitable flood of Manchester United-related material, from transfer speculation to mainstream features about everything wrong in the North West.
If you can manage to sift through the unnecessary, Joao Gomes is one topic of conversation that definitely deserves your attention.
The 24-year-old midfielder is attracting plenty of interest following reports suggesting Ruben Amorim and his Ineos hierarchy are considering a move as early as January.
Although speculative statements are nothing new, and it’s easier to name the available options not yet linked with a move to Old Trafford, the Brazilian is a player who ticks many of Jason Wilcox’s required criteria.
In fact, the growing belief in sealing an option, almost a decade younger than Casemiro, has led our sources to confirm credible advancements in recent weeks, with a surfeit of promising dossiers presented.
Could Joao Gomes fill a Casemiro-shaped void at Manchester United?
Now, before you begin questioning yet another report about a prospective signing, remember, we have been detailing a Mancunian interest in the Wolves star since early 2024.
Despite some suggestions from Sky Sports’ elite, an ageing Casemiro has continued to produce elite displays. However, the future has always been at the front and centre of Project 150, and the former Real Madrid man is awaiting his successor.
Gomes is good, excellent even, at what he does, and his reputation has inevitably led to the nickname ‘pitbull’.
Considering his valuation of £40 to £50 million, alongside his age and Premier League experience, it’s easy to see where the appeal lies.
Since arriving in England in January 2023, for a little over £16.5m, his star has been evident throughout 103 appearances for The Old Gold, taking to the physicality of Europe’s most dogged division with ease.
| Joao Gomes Premier League Metrics | 2023-2024 Season – Per 90 (Percentile) | 2024-2025 Season – Per 90 (Percentile) |
| Tackles | 4.35 (99th) | 3.51 (91st) |
| Tackles won | 2.51 (97th) | 2.15 (93rd) |
| Dribblers challenged | 3.36 (95th) | 3.33 (90th) |
| Tackles & interceptions | 4.96 (95th) | 4.27 (80th) |
| Dribblers tackled | 1.49 (91st) | 3.33 (90th) |
| Passes blocked | 1.46 (84th) | 1.15 (82nd) |
| Ball recoveries | 6.22 (76th) | 6.05 (78th) |
Statistics available at fbref.com
His defensive attributes are unquestionable, but his ability to perform so consistently for an underwhelming side is a defining characteristic.
But this should be no surprise for a man who has tasted success across the Copa Libertadores, Copa do Brasil, Supercopa do Brasil, Campeonato Carioca and Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A.
We are not discussing the output of a mediocre journeyman; this is a midfield general who earned inclusion in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A team of the year in 2022.
Like Matheus Cunha, the Wolves faithful know they have a star within their ranks, and, having spoken with several members of the fanbase, there is an expectation that Gomes could follow in the footsteps of his compatriot.
As touched upon above, United scouts are impressed with the Premier League star and believe he has the capabilities to marshal a two-man midfield, ‘ticking the boxes as a modern midfield destroyer’.
Alongside Omar Berrada and Wilcox, Amorim is eager to bring in two new midfield options between January and the Summer, with the 20-time champions also looking to secure an additional defender.
Given the nature of football finances and the requirements to remain compliant with the Profit and Sustainability Rules, Gomes is an option that would permit a secondary advance towards a name like Elliot Anderson or Carlos Baleba.
Naturally, a player with this ability is attracting attention across the continent, with Ligue 1 and La Liga representing alternative options.
Should United opt to move for the former Flamengo man, we may truly be witnessing the passing of the baton in the engine room at the Theatre of Dreams.
How would you feel about Manchester United pursuing Joao Gomes? Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
Photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com
Recent Posts
- Theatre of Red podcast | Episode 84 | Manchester working-class Reds
- Barcelona continue to work on permanent Marcus Rashford deal
- The facts and figures behind the tactical metamorphosis of Amad
