Manchester United have reportedly made contact with Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes as a potential £38m alternative, following indications that their proposed £35m deal for Atalanta's Ederson is at risk of collapsing, according to Brazilian outlet O Globo.
The Red Devils are pressing ahead with transfer plans ahead of their pre-season tour, with head coach Michael Carrick seeking to strengthen his squad after securing Champions League qualification. United have already secured two permanent deals: back-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow and £50m Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos. However, the move for Ederson, a Brazilian midfielder expected to join after the World Cup, is now uncertain.
Ederson Deal at Risk
Ederson's transfer from Atalanta, valued at £35m, was anticipated to be completed after Brazil's World Cup exit. However, reports suggest the deal is about to fall through, prompting United to explore alternatives. Express Sport reports that Carrick faces a significant midfield problem, as Santos alone may not fill the gap.
Carrick's Midfield Strategy
According to The Sun, Carrick may repurpose Mason Mount in a more defensive role. Mount joined United from Chelsea in 2023 for an initial £55m but has struggled as an attacking playmaker. His promising performances late last season have kept him in first-team contention, with Carrick valuing his work rate and versatility.
“Mount's work rate and versatility are highly valued by Carrick,” a source close to the club told The Sun. The manager is reportedly weighing up deploying him in a withdrawn midfield role.
Contact Made with Joao Gomes
Should the Ederson deal collapse, United could turn to Wolves' Joao Gomes. The 25-year-old Brazilian, also linked with Liverpool, impressed for Wolves despite their relegation to the Championship last season. He was named Wolves' Player of the Season by both supporters and teammates.
Gomes was on the verge of joining Atletico Madrid for £38m, but that transfer collapsed after his agent Jorge Mendes shifted focus to brokering Bernardo Silva's move to Real Madrid. This reportedly angered Atletico, who felt their rivals received preferential treatment, leading them to pull out. O Globo reports that United have now made contact regarding a potential switch.
Impact on United's Plans
With the new Premier League season approaching and the World Cup concluding, Carrick is under pressure to finalize his midfield. The potential addition of Gomes would provide a defensive-minded option, while Mount's repositioning could offer flexibility. United's transfer activity will be crucial as they aim to build on their Champions League qualification.
