Liverpool and Manchester United will now battle it out to secure a midfielder – after surprising developments at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick thought he had secured one of his midfield dreams when United agreed with Atalanta to sign Brazilian Ederson. But that agreement has now been shelved. United asked for further medical tests after Ederson’s World Cup performance, and reportedly informed Atalanta that they will not progress. Atalanta insist that Ederson is healthy, but United have made their choice – and are now looking for other options.
Read: Jürgen Klopp has signed a deal in principle
Probably two or three new midfielders this summer.
At the same time, Liverpool are also looking for reinforcements in midfield – and now the arrows are pointing towards one common interest.
Liverpool and United in a duel for João Gomes
According to Portuguese online newspaper Globo, both Liverpool and Manchester United have explored the possibility of signing Wolves midfielder João Gomes.
Surprisingly, Gomes reportedly had a deal ready with Atletico Madrid this summer – but the deal reportedly unraveled after a dramatic process. Agent Jorge Mendes, who also represents Bernardo Silva, is said to have initially agreed to send Silva to Atletico, before changing his mind at the last minute and sending him to Real Madrid. Atletico reacted by cancelling the entire deal – including the Gomes transfer.
Thus, the 25-year-old is still available, and both Liverpool and United have reportedly contacted Wolves to explore the terrain.
“He’s on his way to the top”
Gomes was named Wolves’ best player last season – despite the club struggling badly in the Premier League. And he has received praise from several quarters.
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards was in no doubt on the podcast The Rest is Football:
“We have to give a quick salute to Gomes at Wolves. Oh my God, what a player he is! We don’t see them so much on TV, but up close – the touches, the anticipation when he wins the ball, the weight of the passes forward. Sorry, Wolves fans – he’s on his way to the top, that boy.
Wolves demand over £38 million
Atletico Madrid were ready to pay £38.3 million (€45 million) for Gomes. It is therefore likely that Wolves will demand a similar amount – especially with both Liverpool and United now on the pitch.
With Wolves ready for Championship play next season, the sale could be decisive. And the bidding round could be hot. For Gomes is a player both clubs want – and more will surely follow.
Andreas Schjelderup in the starting eleven for Norway after a double assist against Brazil
