Key Takeaways:
- Manchester United have reportedly identified Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes as a January transfer target, offering a potential £60m saving compared to Carlos Baleba
- A move for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba would cost United around £104m, with both Manchester clubs having previously shown interest in the Cameroon international
- Wolves’ current Premier League struggles may open the door for United to negotiate more favourable terms for Gomes, as focus shifts to reinforcing the midfield
Midfield Search Intensifies at Old Trafford
Manchester United are said to be considering a move for Wolves’ Joao Gomes as they continue to assess midfield options ahead of the January transfer window. Reports have suggested United could save approximately £60m by pursuing the Brazilian instead of Brighton’s highly-rated Carlos Baleba. The Red Devils had been linked with Baleba, but Brighton are believed to value the Cameroon international at £104m.
Joao Gomes appears on the list of favourites as a cheaper alternative to Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson, who seem to be out of financial reach.
With the possible relegation of Wolves, João Gomes does not close the door to a move to Man. United, which they’ll have to pay… pic.twitter.com/AyCPpeDykJ
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) November 17, 2025
Gomes Interested in United Switch
According to Portuguese publication Record, Gomes is reportedly open to joining Manchester United and potentially departing Molineux amidst Wolves’ ongoing Premier League difficulties. The club’s current plight is being seen as a potential lever in negotiations for the former Flamengo midfielder. The Daily Mail stated that United were previously unable to secure deals for both Baleba and Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher during the summer’s transfer activity due to inflated prices.
United’s Transfer Activity and Squad Building
Ruben Amorim oversaw extensive summer recruitment, bringing players such as Senne Lammens, Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha (from Wolves) into the squad. These acquisitions pushed the club’s expenditure beyond £230m. The investment appears to be yielding returns, as United look to bounce back from a disappointing campaign in which they finished 14th and failed to qualify for European competition following a Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.
Future Midfield Priorities
The introduction of new attacking and goalkeeping talents has sharpened expectations that United will concentrate on midfield upgrades next, with Casemiro expected to turn 34 in February and his career nearing its conclusion. Attention is also being directed towards emerging English talents Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) and Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), whose strong performances in the Premier League have increased their market value and prompted speculation over possible international call-ups for this summer’s World Cup. This could further raise their already significant transfer fees.
Baleba’s Transfer Saga and Competition
Both Manchester United and Manchester City have previously indicated interest in Carlos Baleba, with Pep Guardiola reportedly a long-time admirer of the midfielder. This sets the stage for intense competition between the two Manchester clubs for his services. Although Brighton were reported to have placed a £104m price tag on the Cameroonian in the summer, he remained at the AMEX Stadium, leaving uncertainty about his valuation in the next window given his rising demand.
Manager’s View on Baleba Speculation
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has previously addressed the impact of ongoing transfer rumours on Baleba’s form. He said last month: “I think it’s normal for a young player when the media creates the noise around him,” he said. “It’s not easy for this player to handle it.
“Therefore, we need to give him the time and support so he comes back to his best performance.
“But he’s a young player and I think that’s something we have to accept, that young players don’t always have the face we want to see.”
