Fabrizio Romano drops big hint on United’s January midfield swoop amid Gallagher and Gomes chatter

Fabrizio Romano has now revealed which midfielder Manchester United are most likely to sign when the transfer window reopens. Looking ahead to 2026, United are expected to put considerable effort into strengthening their engine room. While the midfield has shown flashes of quality through Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro‘s brilliance, many feel it still falls short. The consensus is that Ruben Amorim requires a few inspired additions to elevate his midfield to the level demanded at Old Trafford. Persistent midfield links United have inevitably been linked with some of the finest midfield talents across Europe. Names such as Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, João Gomes, and Conor Gallagher have all surfaced. Yet prising away some of these players, like Wharton, Anderson, or Baleba, in January appears complicated, given the key roles they play in their respective projects. Aware of these challenges, United are thought to have narrowed their winter shortlist to two names, with gossip columns pointing firmly towards Gallagher and Gomes. Romano has now addressed this chase, offering clarity on who the club are most likely to pursue. Gallagher: a tricky transfer chase Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano explained: “Man United tried in the final hours of the summer window to get Conor Gallagher on loan. That was not possible, as Atletico Madrid always said a permanent transfer or nothing. ” Atletico Madrid remain in that position, they want around 30–35 million euros for Conor Gallagher; at the moment, they are not opening the door to a loan move.” That stance makes Gallagher a tricky transfer target, with any pursuit likely to drag United into a protracted saga they can ill afford. Gomes: an attainable option About Gomes, the European transfer guru claims: “Joao Gomes is one of the names under consideration at Manchester United. Joao Gomes is appreciated; he’s seen as an opportunity, eventually, if Wolves decide to let the player go in January. ” Joao Gomes could be one to watch, with the player very keen on a move to Manchester United. This depends on what happens with Wolves.” From those claims, a move for Gomes could hinge on United’s willingness to spend and Wolves’ readiness to cash in. Should the Wanderers decide to sell, funds from his departure may well help finance the mini‑squad overhaul they so clearly require this winter. Conor Gallagher vs João Gomes — Per Game Stats (25/26), courtesy of WhoScored StatC. GallagherJ. Gomes Apps2 (11)10 (2) Minutes361927 Tackles0.82.6 Interceptions0.60.9 Fouls0.92.3 Offsides0.1– Clearances0.21.6 Dribbled Past0.51.7 Blocks0.20.3 Own Goals–– Rating6.326.49 Featured image Naomi Baker via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.