Man Utd in new midfielder link – and he’s BETTER than Casemiro

Robin Bairner

14 Nov 2025 07:00 GMT
8 min read

Manchester United’s shortlist for a new midfielder continues to grow, with the latest name on Ruben Amorim’s list a man who has performed better than Casemiro in the Premier League this season.

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The Brazilian has been a source of intrigue at Man Utd. Although he initially seemed on his way out of the club under Amorim, he has battled his way back to become a key figure under the Portuguese at Old Trafford.

Despite being apparently irreplaceable, Casemiro is 33 years old and out of contract next summer. He will only remain if he agrees to a pay cut. This has put his place at the club under threat.

Current ETV

Casemiro

DM, M (C)

Man Utd

Casemiro

DM, M (C)

Man Utd

ETV Range

€6.1M - €8.3M

In the meantime, United want to strengthen their midfield depth and are studying several options. Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher looks the likeliest January signing as things stand, though no track appears to be particularly well advanced.

And there is a new name to add to Amorim’s shortlist, according to the Daily Mail: Wolverhampton Wanderers star Joao Gomes.

Joao Gomes: The elite ball-winner Amorim craves

Wolves might be enduring a nightmare campaign in the Premier League, but 24-year-old Brazilian Joao Gomes has quietly put together an impressive campaign in the midfield.

He appears among the top-performing central midfielders in England’s top flight based on the analysis of SciSports. His passing and transition forcing have caught the eye.

Joao Gomes vs Premier League midfielders 2025/26: Transition forcing

The latter of these attributes will be particularly interesting for Amorim, who wants his team to play up-tempo pressing football. Joao Gomes’ ability to regain possession has been elite, placing him ahead of the likes of Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, who is one of the names United have been linked with.

This quality makes the former Flamengo star a viable alternative to Casemiro, whose overall performance in the Premier League this term has been weaker than that of his compatriot.

Joao Gomes has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €50m, so won’t come cheap, but with Premier League experience and room for growth, he fits the profile of player Man Utd are likely to chase as they seek to further strengthen their midfield.

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