Manchester United’s midfield recruitment drive is heating up this month, and Joao Gomes is the latest player to be linked with the Red Devils.
It seems almost guaranteed that Manchester United will sign a new starting midfielder in 2026, with it being one of the main weak points in Ruben Amorim’s current side.
Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, and Elliot Anderson are all known targets, but this week has seen further Premier League midfielders linked.
Who is your dream Manchester United signing in 2026?
United in Focus exclusively revealed that Alex Scott is an emerging target for United, with his Bournemouth performances catching the eye.
Now, Wolves’ Joao Gomes is on the list.
What Wolves have told Rob Edwards about Joao Gomes in January
Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have shaped United’s transfer plans, with the instant success of both proving the value behind Premier League-proven signings.
This explains why every midfield target is also domestically based, and now Wolves’ Gomes is also a target for 2026, according to the Daily Mail.
Following this, United in Focus can confirm that Gomes’ people are pushing to get him out of Wolves in the new year.
United’s interest exists prior to this season, with his 2025/26 form not grabbing attention, but clubs know what he is capable of and like him as a player.
United in Focus understands, however, that Wolves have told their incoming manager, Rob Edwards, that they won’t be selling any top players in January, which likely rules out an early move for Gomes.
United were keen on Gomes in 2022, eyeing the Brazilian while he still played for Flamengo.
Additionally, Gomes was considered to replace Casemiro in 2024, and now he is considered for that position once again.
Joao Gomes could be available for cheap for Manchester United in 2026
While maybe not as glamorous a signing as Baleba or Anderson, Gomes could be more than half the price of these £100m valued number sixes.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  ArsenalArsenal | 11 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 20 | 5 | 15 | 26 |
| 2 |  Manchester CityManchester City | 11 | 7 | 1 | 3 | 23 | 8 | 15 | 22 |
| 3 |  ChelseaChelsea | 11 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 21 | 11 | 10 | 20 |
| 4 |  SunderlandSunderland | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 19 |
| 5 |  TottenhamTottenham | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 19 | 10 | 9 | 18 |
| 6 |  Aston VillaAston Villa | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 10 | 3 | 18 |
| 7 |  Manchester UnitedManchester United | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 19 | 18 | 1 | 18 |
| 8 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 11 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 18 | 17 | 1 | 18 |
| 9 |  BournemouthBournemouth | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 17 | 18 | -1 | 18 |
| 10 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 11 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 14 | 9 | 5 | 17 |
| 11 |  BrightonBrighton | 11 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 17 | 15 | 2 | 16 |
| 12 |  BrentfordBrentford | 11 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 17 | 17 | 0 | 16 |
| 13 |  EvertonEverton | 11 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 12 | 13 | -1 | 15 |
| 14 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 11 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 11 | 14 | -3 | 12 |
| 15 |  FulhamFulham | 11 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 12 | 16 | -4 | 11 |
| 16 |  LeedsLeeds | 11 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 10 | 20 | -10 | 11 |
| 17 |  BurnleyBurnley | 11 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 14 | 22 | -8 | 10 |
| 18 |  West HamWest Ham | 11 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 13 | 23 | -10 | 10 |
| 19 |  Nottingham ForestNottingham Forest | 11 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 20 | -10 | 9 |
| 20 |  WolvesWolves | 11 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 7 | 25 | -18 | 2 |
Wolves are currently on course for a record-worst-ever Premier League points tally, which would almost certainly mean relegation and a mass exodus of their talented players.
Gomes is the best of the Wolves squad, and it could be a cut-price deal to sign him if they are relegated, while his stock has also plummeted.
Cunha would be thrilled to see Gomes, with the pair close friends at the club and international level.
Gomes could very easily be available for £30m or so this coming summer, and that would be a deal too good to pass up on, perhaps alongside another midfield addition.
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