Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is preparing a January transfer move to bolster his midfield options as the club pushes for a Champions League qualification spot.
United's Midfield Reinforcement Plans
The Red Devils are currently enjoying their best run of form under Amorim, having gone unbeaten in five consecutive Premier League matches. This positive streak has created genuine belief within Old Trafford that European football's top competition could return next season.
Following a summer spending spree that saw £200 million invested in rebuilding the attack and the acquisition of new number one goalkeeper Senne Lammens, attention has now turned to strengthening the engine room. While Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have emerged as Amorim's preferred midfield partnership, questions remain about the Brazilian's long-term future at the club.
Joao Gomes Emerges as Primary Target
According to reports originating from Portugal, Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes has emerged as a key transfer target for the Manchester club. The Brazilian international has been extensively scouted by United officials over the past 18 months and could represent significantly better value than other options.
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Brighton's Carlos Baleba are both admired at Old Trafford, but would likely command fees in excess of £100 million. By contrast, Gomes has been mooted with a £44 million price tag, making him a more financially viable alternative.
United number ten Matheus Cunha, who played alongside Gomes both at Wolves and for the Brazilian national team, has previously described his compatriot as "unbelievable," adding further credibility to the potential signing.
January Transfer Complications
However, any move for the 24-year-old in January faces significant obstacles. Wolves find themselves rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table with just two points from their opening matches and yet to register a victory this season.
The club's new manager Rob Edwards has reportedly secured a gentleman's agreement with Wolves hierarchy that will see the team's prized assets retained during the January window to give them the best possible chance of top-flight survival.
This understanding would mean keeping Gomes at Molineux until at least the summer, unless United were to table an offer significantly exceeding Wolves' valuation of the player.
Complicating matters further for Gomes is his international ambitions. With a World Cup approaching next summer, the midfielder knows he needs regular Premier League football to secure his place in Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil squad. While he currently starts consistently for Wolves, that guarantee might not immediately transfer to Old Trafford.
For United, the dilemma is whether to push for a January deal despite the complications or risk missing out on the player altogether if they wait until summer and other options emerge.
