Manchester United's search for a Casemiro replacement has taken another unexpected turn, with Joao Gomes reportedly back on the club's radar after the Ederson deal hit complications. The sooner United confirm the arrival of Ederson from Atalanta, the better for everyone, but transfer fatigue has set in as the club still awaits official confirmation of the 27-year-old's arrival. A £35 million fee was agreed with Atalanta at the start of the summer, but a last-minute World Cup call-up delayed the announcement.
Ederson Deal in Jeopardy
Reports have since circulated that the deal could be off after an issue with Ederson's knee was detected during a medical. Some outlets claim the problem has led to the transfer being cancelled, but United have rebuked that suggestion, insisting the deal is still alive. Regardless, the saga has turned messy, and it is now unclear what will happen next. Whether Ederson signs or not, United could soon secure another midfielder if they reignite interest in one player.
Joao Gomes Emerges as Option
Before the summer window opened, Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes was on United's radar. The 25-year-old continued to perform well despite Wolves enduring a terrible season. Interest from United waned as Atletico Madrid closed in on Gomes, but while the Reds were being put through the wringer with Ederson, Gomes' switch to La Liga was cancelled. Atletico shifted their focus to Sporting's Morten Hjulmand and, after confirming his arrival on Saturday, they are no longer interested in Gomes. This leaves the Brazilian in a tough situation: he is contracted to Wolves until 2030, but staying at Molineux is unlikely.
Gomes Fits INEOS Profile
Reports suggest United are monitoring Gomes again, and a deal would make sense. The midfielder fits the profile of an INEOS signing. Firstly, his Premier League experience is a clear positive. The worry with Ederson is that the English top flight is an entirely new challenge for him. Many players have performed well overseas, even in established leagues like Serie A, but then failed to bring those standards to England. Jason Wilcox, United's technical director, has described Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo as 'plug and play' signings; Gomes could be the same for United.
Cunha's Comparison to Casemiro
Speaking of Cunha, he has already given fans reason to be excited should United pursue a deal for his former Wolves teammate. "Maybe Casemiro," Cunha said in 2024 when asked who Gomes reminds him of. "He is a bit older now, but I put Casemiro's name there only to show where Joao Gomes could arrive. I think Joao has the possibility to arrive. He is very humble, and he works a lot. The good teams come like a gift when you do that. He is unbelievable on the pitch. I feel very secure. I feel like I can lose the ball when I have my midfielders behind me. He played very well for the national team, too."
Affordable Price Tag
United won't need to break the bank for Gomes either. Wolves are thought to value him at £50 million, a fee United could try to haggle down or pay outright considering their need for midfield reinforcements. Wolves will be reluctant to sell, but they don't have the power to keep Gomes while in the Championship. Had they stayed up, that valuation could have been £10-20 million more, particularly after seeing Mateus Fernandes leave West Ham for £85 million. A move for Gomes ticks plenty of boxes for United: age, experience, price tag, and recommendations all point to him being a good addition, regardless of what happens with Ederson. But with Liverpool also reportedly interested, United might need to act quickly.
