Manchester United appear poised to suffer another significant transfer setback, with reports from Italy indicating a key midfield target is now close to joining Serie A giants Napoli.
Napoli Steal a March on United for Gomes
According to prominent Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli have moved decisively in the race for Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes. The report claims the Italian club has already reached a personal agreement with the Brazilian international for a summer switch to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
This development represents a major blow for Manchester United, who have tracked the 24-year-old for several years. Interest from Old Trafford reportedly dates back to 2022 when Gomes was still playing for Flamengo in his homeland. Despite the persistent links, Gomes chose to join Wolves in January 2023, and a potential move to United has been speculated ever since last summer.
The main obstacle for Napoli now is agreeing a transfer fee with Wolves, who are believed to value their influential midfielder at around £41 million.
A Potential Reunion with McTominay in Naples
Should the deal be completed, Gomes would link up with former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay. The Scotland international was sold to Napoli in the summer of 2024 for £26.4 million (€30.5m) and has flourished in Italy.
McTominay played a pivotal role in Napoli's Serie A title triumph last season and has continued his impressive form. He has scored 21 goals in 63 appearances for the club overall, including eight this campaign. He was the standout performer just last weekend, scoring both goals in Napoli's 2-2 draw with league leaders Inter Milan.
Recent rumours had suggested McTominay himself could make a sensational return to Manchester, but Napoli's sporting director, Giovanni Manna, swiftly dismissed that speculation. When discussing January plans, Manna emphasised McTominay's importance, stating: "We've missed [Andre-Frank Zambo] Anguissa a lot. McTominay is showing that he can be decisive in that role."
What This Means for United's Midfield Plans
Losing out on Joao Gomes to Napoli would force Manchester United to look elsewhere to bolster their engine room. The club's long-standing admiration for the player, coupled with his proven Premier League quality, made him an attractive target.
For Napoli, securing Gomes would be a significant coup and would pair a dynamic, ball-winning midfielder with the goal-threatening presence of McTominay. Antonio Conte's side currently sits fourth in Serie A, four points behind Inter Milan, and sees Gomes as a key piece in their title challenge.
This episode underscores the competitive nature of the modern transfer market, where even historic clubs like Manchester United can be outmanoeuvred by decisive action from European rivals.
