“Here we go”: Aston Villa move fast to sign dream United midfield target despite contact from Ineos – Fabrizio Romano

Manchester United have missed out on one of their concrete midfield targets to Aston Villa. Last week, The Peoples Person relayed a report from Brazil claiming United have made contact to sign Joao Gomes from Wolverhampton Wanderers after identifying the Brazilian midfield dynamo as Ederson’s alternative.  The Red Devils also reportedly explored the possibility of signing Gomes during the winter transfer window but Ruben Amorim’s abrupt departure hampered their plans. Now, Aston Villa have struck a swift agreement for the 25-year-old.  According to Fabrizio Romano, Gomes is set to join Villa in a deal worth €45 million, including add-ons. “João Gomes to Aston Villa, here we go! Verbal agreement in place at €40m fee plus €5m add-ons,” Romano wrote on X. 🚨🟣🔵 João Gomes to Aston Villa, here we go! Verbal agreement in place at €40m fee plus €5m add-ons. Wolves accept £38m package and authorize medical for João Gomes to #AVFC. Gomes left training to travel and complete move, as @johntownley11 reported. pic.twitter.com/282urwIei2 — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 16, 2026 Villa’s move for Gomes appears to be their response to United signing their former midfield leader Youri Tielemans, who moved to Old Trafford after INEOS triggered the release clause in his contract in Birmingham. More to follow… 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 Latest Top Stories… Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!