Manchester United has hit the brakes on negotiations for defensive midfielder Éderson and has turned its radar toward João Gomes, a Flamengo academy product currently shining in English football.
Movement behind the scenes in the Premier League is set to shake up the transfer market. After months of advanced negotiations for Atalanta midfielder Éderson, Manchester United has surprised many by pulling back on the deal. The Brazilian, who had reportedly already undergone medical exams, faces a period of uncertainty as the English club reevaluates its options to strengthen its midfield.
This change in direction has put João Gomes back in the spotlight. The midfielder, who came up through the Flamengo youth ranks, has become the new target for the Red Devils, who are closely monitoring the player’s situation at Wolverhampton. The possibility of a move for the Brazilian is gaining momentum after the Éderson deal lost steam due to setbacks in clinical and bureaucratic procedures.
The impasse with Éderson
According to reports from Sky Sport Italia, Manchester United has informed Atalanta of its desire to pause the signing, which would lead Éderson to report back to manager Maurizio Sarri. However, the English club remains cautious and has not officially declared the deal cancelled. The situation became murky following the Brazil national team‘s elimination from the 2026 World Cup, with the BBC reporting that issues identified during medical examinations have stalled the final agreement.
João Gomes on the radar
With Éderson‘s future uncertain, interest in João Gomes has resurfaced with renewed intensity. Monitored since January, the former Flamengo player was on the verge of signing with Atlético de Madrid, but a disagreement between his representatives and the Spanish club cooled the deal. Now, Manchester United is monitoring the athlete again, although they have yet to submit an official proposal to Wolverhampton.
“Developed at Flamengo, João Gomes was voted Wolverhampton‘s best player last season, appearing in 41 matches with one goal and three assists.”
Market scenario and future
To date, Wolverhampton has not received formal contact from either Manchester United or Liverpool, the latter also monitoring the midfielder’s situation. João Gomes‘ trajectory in England, marked by consistency even amidst his club’s relegation, has significantly increased his value in the European transfer market. This saga is expected to have new developments in the coming days as the English giants finalize their targets for the remainder of the season.
