United nearing first January signing as 24-yo star agrees to join Amorim’s side – report

Manchester United are making steady progress in their bid to strengthen their midfield.  Over the summer, United gauged the likelihood of signing Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion. The approach seemed like the ground work for a 2026 move, as Ineos never lodged a formal offer. However, they did manage to find an agreement over personal terms with the Cameroonian.  Ahead of the winter transfer window, United have convinced another Premier League midfielder to move to Old Trafford. Joao Gomes “says yes” to Manchester United move According to TEAMtalk, Joao Gomes has had his “head turned” by United’s interest.  Wolves remain reluctant to part ways with the tenacious midfielder, who continues to impress in the middle of the park despite his side’s struggles.  The figures at Molineux have made it clear that Gomes is “absolutely not for sale” as Rob Edwards’s side sit in 20th place in the Premier League. However, United are believed to be taking a “similar approach as they did with Baleba.” The report states: “United know Wolves do not want to sell Gomes, but have begun to make inroads with the aim that the player is aware of interest ahead of the possibility of a transfer.” There is a belief it would cost between £40-50million to sign the Brazil international, who moved to Wolves from Flamengo in 2023. Man United want Premier League-proven midfielders Baleba remains on United’s radar, but Brighton are not expected to open the exit doors for him mid-season. As such, the Red Devils have stepped up their efforts to sign Gomes in January. MetricElliot AndersonCarlos BalebaAdam Wharton Minutes per game905879 Total minutes played900575634 Matches played10108 Goals000 Expected goals (xG)0.790.130.23 Shots off target0.40.60.3 Shots on target0.20.00.0 Big chances missed100 Assists100 Assists per game0.10.00.0 Expected assists (xA)1.340.171.74 Big chances created105 Long balls2.8 (52.8%)1.2 (54.5%)1.8 (38.9%) Crosses1.3 (28.3%)0.0 (0%)1.0 (47.1%) Interceptions0.91.00.9 Tackles2.61.11.4 Dribbled past1.20.71.1 Clearances0.71.01.0 Blocked shots0.10.00.1 Succ. dribbles1.4 (58.3%)0.4 (66.7%)0.8 (66.7%) Ground duels won6.3 (57.3%)2.2 (42.3%)2.9 (54.8%) Aerial duels won1.4 (50.0%)1.2 (66.7%)0.3 (22.2%) Possession lost17.66.19.8 Fouls1.21.50.6 Was fouled2.40.70.8 Yellow cards231 Yellow-red cards000 Red cards000 It is understood United want to recruit from within the Premier League and are monitoring Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton as well. The Mancunians have also “made checks on” Brentford youngster Yehor Yarmolyuk. Depending on Kobbie Mainoo’s situation under Ruben Amorim and Casemiro’s contract situation, United may decide to bring in multiple midfielders in the next nine months or so.  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 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!