Man Utd make contact over surprise €45m move after Ederson transfer decision

Updated: 12 Jul 2026 10:00 BST | 5 min read

Matthew Judge | Editor

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Manchester United are weighing up a surprise move to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes, according to reports in Brazil.

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The Red Devils have made strengthening their midfield a priority ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League campaign.

United were on the verge of signing Ederson after they agreed a €41million (£35m) fee with Serie A side Atalanta in June.

STATS

Éderson

M (C)

Atalanta

Éderson

M (C)

Atalanta

41

Games
3

Goals
2

Assists

However, transfers reporter Fabrizio Romano claims United have since aborted the move, though neither club has confirmed the Italian’s report.

Brazilian outlet O Globo has corroborated Romano’s report, claiming United have reneged on signing Ederson after an issue showed up during a medical.

And the same publication claims Michael Carrick’s side have now turned their attentions to Ederson’s Brazil compatriot Gomes.

Widespread reports understand Gomes was on the cusp of joining La Liga giants Atletico Madrid following Wolves’ relegation from the Premier League last season.

However, O Globo claims that deal is also off after Atletico were angered by Gomes’ agent, Jorge Mendes, over a separate pursuit for Bernardo Silva.

The same outlet claims Atletico thought they had reached an agreement to sign Silva, who is also represented by Mendes, following the expiration of his contract with Manchester City.

STATS

Bernardo Silva

M, DM (C)

Real Madrid

Bernardo Silva

M, DM (C)

Real Madrid

53

Games
3

Goals
5

Assists

But Silva ended up joining Atletico’s bitter rivals Real Madrid in June, causing Atletico to withdraw from negotiations to sign Gomes.

O Globo understands United have now contacted Wolves to explore a move for Gomes, who is reportedly valued at around €45m (£38.3m).

The 25-year-old joined Wolves from Brazilian side Flamengo in 2023 and has made 130 appearances for the Old Gold, scoring eight goals.

STATS

João Gomes

M (C)

Wolves

João Gomes

M (C)

Wolves

41

Games
1

Goals
3

Assists

Gomes has also received 10 caps for the Brazil national team, though he missed out on a place in their World Cup squad.

United set to sign Ederson and Gomes' compatriot Santos

United have suffered a number of setbacks in their attempts to sign at least two central midfielders this summer.

The 20-time league champions missed out on Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, who joined Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur respectively for €136m (£116m) and €99m (£85m).

United were also keen on Real star Aurelien Tchouameni, according to The Athletic, though the France international is reportedly close to signing a new contract at the Bernabeu.

Carrick's side are set to sign Andrey Santos, however, after they agreed a €58m (£50m) fee with Chelsea for the 22-year-old's services, as per various sources.

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Read more about: La Liga Serie A Premier League Championship Atalanta Atlético Madrid Chelsea Man City Man Utd Real Madrid Tottenham Wolves Andrey Santos Aurélien Tchouaméni Bernardo Silva Ederson Jose Elliot Anderson João Gomes Mateus Fernandes