Man United switch midfield target: Joao Gomes enters the picture with Ederson in doubt

With the Ederson signing threatened by medical problems, Manchester United have turned their attention to another Brazilian – and this time the name is well known to Premier League fans. Joao Gomes, Wolverhampton’s midfielder, is back on the Red Devils’ radar.

The problem with Ederson and the change of course

The negotiations around the Atalanta midfielder seemed to be progressing, but something in the medical process raised a red flag. According to available information, the club was not satisfied with what it saw in the tests and is now trying to restructure the terms of the deal – with no guarantee it will work. The impasse created a window. And United did not waste time.

Joao Gomes was one of the Red Devils’ priorities back in January, when the interest was notorious but no concrete proposal closed the deal. This summer, the midfielder came close to signing with Atlético Madrid, but the negotiation derailed over problems linked to his agent, Jorge Mendes. The Madrid destination was left in the past. Old Trafford appeared on the horizon again.

Why Gomes makes sense for United

At 23, the Brazilian has accumulated two high-level seasons at Wolverhampton. He is a combative midfielder, with good defensive positioning and the ability to play out from the back – exactly the profile Rúben Amorim is looking for to organise the midfield. In the last Premier League season, Gomes was one of the individual standouts of a Wolves side fighting to stay in the top flight. Recognised quality, a price probably more affordable than Ederson’s. The equation makes sense.

The timing also helps. With Wolverhampton out of European competitions and under financial pressure, the willingness to negotiate should be greater than in previous windows. United know this.

Barcola, Arsenal and the London race

Meanwhile, on the north side of London, Arsenal remain firmly in the fight for Bradley Barcola. The PSG forward is the Gunners’ main target as an alternative to Morgan Rogers, and there is a detail that weighs in Mikel Arteta’s favour: the player prefers London to Liverpool, who have also shown interest. The price asked by the Parisians is high, and the deal should wait for the end of the World Cup to advance properly.

The market does not stop. Brazilians, as always, are strong currency – and United seem determined to secure at least one of them before the opening whistle of the new season.