25 Apr 2026 09:53 BST |
4 min read
Manchester United’s midfield transfer plans are starting to become clearer, with the possibility of a move for Atalanta star Ederson heating up as Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes takes a step towards a move away from the Premier League side.
Despite Wolves’ relegation from the Premier League, Joao Gomes is a wanted man around some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
FootballTransfers exclusively revealed Man Utd’s interest in the 25-year-old back in March 2024, and their admiration for the player has not diminished. He is still linked with a switch to Old Trafford, but Atletico Madrid are stepping up their interest in the player, according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs.
Ederson boost as Atleti turn attention towards Joao Gomes
United have been monitoring Joao Gomes, but with Atletico Madrid stepping up their interest in the former Flamengo star, who has been valued by Wolves at €46 million (£40m), this does open up the possibility of the Red Devils moving for another of their long-term targets.
Atalanta midfielder Ederson had appeared destined to move to Atleti after agreeing personal terms with the Spanish side. But with the Serie A outfit notoriously difficult to negotiate with, talks have stalled.
Jacobs reports on X: “Atletico Madrid have opened talks with Wolves for Joao Gomes having shortlisted him in January.
“Wolves value Gomes at around £40m.
“Atletico Madrid have already agreed terms with Atalanta’s Ederson, but no club-to-club agreement leading Atleti to also look at other options.
“Manchester United and Arsenal tracking the Ederson situation.”
Romano has confirmed Man Utd’s interest
Fabrizio Romano previously touched on this issue, suggesting that Man Utd could pounce on any slip from Atleti.
“Premier League clubs are also calling for him. So if Atalanta and Atletico Madrid cannot close the deal, keep an eye on the Premier League situation too. Manchester United were tracking him already when Ruben Amorim was the coach, and he has always been appreciated by people at the club.
“Let’s see if United decide to return. Ederson could be attractive because he is out of contract in 2027, he is not on a crazy salary, and financially he could be a very good package overall, with salary, commissions and transfer fee all considered. But Atalanta insist on €45 million. So Premier League clubs are attentive to the situation, with Atletico still in the race but not yet with Atalanta.”
This puts him in the same price bracket as Joao Gomes and, therefore, makes him a natural alternative.
Ederson: A better option?
Ederson is a player noted for his high-energy defensive work in the midfield and would provide a natural replacement for the departing Casemiro in Man Utd’s No.6 role.
Data analytics firm SciSports rates Ederson as a stronger player than Joao Gomes using a SciSkill algorithm that is driven by hundreds of in-game data points, suggesting that he would be a smarter move to increase the quality of the Red Devils’ midfield options.
Related stories:
Man Utd Transfer News Today: €90m battle begins as ‘big’ Anderson bid revealed
Inside Man Utd’s search for the perfect midfield signing
Transfer Rumours: Tonali makes Man Utd decision as ‘big’ offer ready
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