Manchester United are confronting a significant hurdle in their pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes, with the player's previously stated ambition to play for rivals Liverpool emerging as a central complication.
The Gomes Conundrum for United
The 24-year-old Brazilian has been identified as a key target for the Red Devils as manager Ruben Amorim looks to strengthen his midfield options in 2026. United's strategy involves recruiting players with proven Premier League experience, a list which also includes Brighton's Carlos Baleba, Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, and Crystal Palace playmaker Adam Wharton.
Gomes is currently in his third season at Molineux after joining from Flamengo in January 2023 for a fee of around £15 million. Despite signing a new five-year contract as recently as April 2025, his future at the club has been cast into doubt following Wolves' disastrous start to the current campaign, having failed to win any of their opening 11 matches.
Liverpool Ambition and Transfer Timeline
The core issue for United, however, lies in Gomes's long-held personal ambition. While at Flamengo, the midfielder was openly linked with a move to Liverpool and made his feelings clear in an interview with ESPN Brazil. "Liverpool is a team I would play for," Gomes stated. "I have the greatest desire to play. Playing in the Champions League is my biggest dream."
This declaration presents a clear problem for Manchester United, who will need to persuade the player to set aside his Anfield aspirations. According to reports from Portugal, a move is more likely to materialise in the summer of 2026, as Wolves are not planning to sell any key assets during the upcoming January transfer window despite their precarious league position.
Internal Advocate and Financial Considerations
Amorim does hold one significant card in any potential negotiation. Current United forward Matheus Cunha has played alongside Gomes for both club and country and has publicly praised his compatriot's abilities, even drawing a comparison to United teammate Casemiro.
"He is a bit older now, but I put Casemiro's name there only to show where Joao Gomes could arrive," Cunha remarked. "I think Joao has the possibility to arrive. He is very humble, and he works a lot... He is unbelievable on the pitch."
United's potential return to the Champions League after a three-season absence could also be a decisive factor in convincing Gomes that Old Trafford is the right destination to fulfil his European ambitions. For now, the midfielder's immediate focus remains on leading Wolves' fight for survival, a task that could also enhance his prospects of a recall to the Brazilian national team ahead of the World Cup.
