Manchester United add “surprise” name to midfield shortlist ahead of possible January swoop

Soccer Football – Premier League – Tottenham Hotspur v Wolverhampton Wanderers – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain – September 27, 2025 Wolverhampton Wanderers' Santiago Bueno celebrates scoring their first goal with Joao Gomes and Jhon Arias REUTERS/Jaimi Joy EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR 'LIVE' SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER DETAILS..

Manchester United are considering a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes. The 24-year-old has impressed with his energy and ball-winning ability, and the Daily Mail has reported that the player is now a “surprise” addition to the Red Devil’s midfield shortlist.

Gomes has drawn comparisons to his compatriot Casemiro for his passing range and his ability to dictate tempo, and United are understood to be in the market for long-term successors in that role. United are now keeping tabs on the player’s situation ahead of a possible January swoop.

Gomes has publicly stated that Casemiro is his idol, and has already played alongside him for Brazil. He could be tempted by a reunion at Old Trafford.

Wolves will be reluctant to part ways with one of their key men in the midst of a relegation battle. The club are the only remaining winless side in the Premier League, and currently sit last in the table with just two points.

Wolves have appointed former player Rob Edwards as their new head coach after parting ways with Vitor Pereira.

Gomes joined Wolves from Brazilian side Flamengo in 2023 and has gone on to make 88 appearances for the club. He has become one of the Premier League’s elite ball winners and has drawn admirers from other Premier League clubs as well as top clubs across Europe.

The player was linked heavily with a move to Liverpool in 2022, and admitted that his dream is to play in the Champions League. Should a move materialize, it will likely take place in the summer rather than January, and United’s league position could play a role.

United have been linked with several midfielders as Ruben Amorim looks to freshen that area of the side. Question marks remain over the long term futures of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte, with the former out of contract in the summer.

Bruno Fernandes also continues to be linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, while Kobbie Mainoo has expressed his desire to leave on loan for more first team minutes. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, and Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher are also being tracked by United.

Nadji is a football writer with over 10 years of experience covering the Premier League. His work has been featured on Football Fancast, Arsenal-Mania, and Arsenal.com, where he has built a reputation for delivering sharp analysis, engaging storytelling, and in-depth coverage of the game.