United receive encouraging news in their January pursuit of Brazilian dynamo – report

Manchester United are reportedly planning to reinforce their midfield in 2026, following an encouraging start to the 2025/26 campaign. The Red Devils were linked with several midfielders this summer, but opted to focus their attention on strengthening the attack instead. The English giants were successful in signing Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, and have subsequently shown improvement on the pitch. United are now seventh in the league table after 11 games, just two points behind Chelsea in third. Plans are already in place to further strengthen the squad next year, with the emphasis likely to be on the middle of the park. United eyeing Joao Gomes United are looking for an athletic midfielder to fill the shoes of Casemiro, whose contract expires at the end of this season. While the Brazilian has been in resurgent form of late, his long-term future at the Theatre of Dreams remains in doubt. The Premier League giants already have their eyes on Carlos Baleba, but prising him away from Brighton & Hove Albion is likely to be a costly affair. The Peoples Person recently relayed a report stating that the Red Devils have identified Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Joao Gomes as a cheaper alternative for the role. The Brazilian is reportedly open to a move to Old Trafford, although the Midlands club would prefer to keep hold of him until the end of the season as they remain embroiled in a relegation battle. A fresh update on the situation could now provide United with a glimmer of hope. Move not entirely ruled out Speaking to The United Stand, journalist Ben Jacobs said that the Red Devils may be encouraged to attempt to prise Gomes away from Molineux in January. “They like Joao Gomes. There’s probably only two definitive targets on the Manchester United list that are definitely, I would say, available during the month of January, or potentially available,” said Jacobs. “The first is obviously Conor Gallagher. And then you have Joao Gomes, who I wouldn’t, and I want to be clear here, say is available, but what I would say is that suitors may be encouraged to try their luck in January looking at the league table.” The 24 year old is under contract until 2030 and could be available for around €50 million in January. That price could drop further in the summer if Wolves end up getting relegated. Final Thoughts Joao Gomes has made 14 appearances in all competitions for Wolves this season, 10 of which have been starts. Joao Gomes: Premier League Stats 2025/26 Season MetricValue XG0.36 XA0.47 Touches in the Opposition Box12 Crosses (Completed %)10 (50%) Passes (Completed %)444 (86%) Long Passes (Completed %)31 (55%) Minutes Played836 Dribbles (Completed %)16 (50%) Duels Won62 Aerial Duels Won10 Total Tackles27 Interceptions11 Blocks3 Source: Premier League WebsiteWith Kobbie Mainoo’s future uncertain, and Manuel Ugarte proving to be a disappointment, a move for Gomes in January makes sense. His Premier League experience could enable a smooth transition at the Theatre of Dreams if the move materialises. If the Red Devils manage to sign Gomes in January and then go on to bring in someone like Elliot Anderson next summer, it could be a significant piece of business. A move for the Brazilian, however, is likely to depend on United’s long-term pursuit of Baleba. 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 Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.