Manchester United appear poised to suffer a fresh transfer setback, with a long-term midfield target reportedly on the verge of joining a familiar face in Serie A.
Napoli Close In on United's Midfield Target
According to reports from Italy, Wolves' Brazilian international Joao Gomes has reached a personal agreement to join Napoli. The Italian giants are now negotiating with Wolves over a transfer fee for the midfielder, who is valued at around £41 million.
This development represents a significant blow to Manchester United, who have tracked the player since his time at Flamengo in 2022. Gomes opted for a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers over Old Trafford in 2023, but speculation of a future switch to United has persisted, particularly throughout last summer.
A Potential Reunion with McTominay in Naples
Should the transfer be completed, Gomes would link up with former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay. The Scotland international was sold by United to Napoli in the summer of 2024 for £26.4 million (€30.5m) and has flourished in Italy.
McTominay played a pivotal role in Napoli's Serie A title triumph last season and has continued his impressive form. He has scored 21 goals in 63 appearances for the club, including eight this campaign. He was recently the star in a 2-2 draw with Inter Milan, scoring both of Napoli's goals.
Recent rumours had suggested McTominay could make a sensational return to Manchester, but Napoli's sporting director, Giovanni Manna, swiftly dismissed those claims. Manna emphasised McTominay's importance, stating the midfielder has shown he can be "decisive" in the role, especially with key player Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa absent.
What This Means for United's Transfer Plans
Napoli's move for Joao Gomes signals another potential missed opportunity for Manchester United in the transfer market. It underscores the competitive nature of securing top talent and suggests United may need to look elsewhere to bolster their midfield options.
The prospective partnership between Gomes and McTominay at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona would create a formidable midfield duo, one that United fans might have once envisioned at Old Trafford. For now, Napoli sits fourth in Serie A, four points behind leaders Inter Milan, and the potential addition of Gomes could be a key move in their title chase.
