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Manchester United target Joao Gomes once voiced his ambition of playing for Liverpool. The Wolves midfielder has been strongly linked with a transfer to Old Trafford as Ruben Amorim looks to strengthen his midfield options in 2026.
The 24-year-old is in his third full season at Molineux, having joined from Flamengo in January 2023 for around £15million. Gomes penned a new five-year contract with Wolves in April but following their disastrous start to the season - losing nine and drawing two of their opening 11 matches - he's been tipped to leave the Premier League's bottom-placed side.
Portuguese media claim United are planning a move, though the Mirror reports any deal would likely be delayed until the summer, with Wolves reluctant to part with their star players during the January window. This wouldn't be Gomes' first brush with transfer speculation, having attracted interest from Liverpool during his time in his native Brazil.
In a 2022 interview with ESPN Brazil, the South American was open about his desire to play for the Reds. Based on those remarks, Gomes might well favour linking up with Arne Slot over Amorim next year.
"Liverpool is a team I would play for," Gomes said. "I have the greatest desire to play. Playing in the Champions League is my biggest dream and that of my family, my biggest dream in football."
However, United's return to the Champions League for the first time in three seasons could be enough to sway the Brazilian to move to Old Trafford. Amorim also has someone in his squad already singing Gomes' praises.
Matheus Cunha was a team-mate of the 24-year-old at both Wolves and for Brazil, and drew comparisons between him and United midfielder Casemiro. "He is a bit older now, but I put Casemiro's name there only to show where Joao Gomes could arrive," Cunha said.
"I think Joao has the possibility to arrive. He is very humble, and he works a lot. The good teams come like a gift when you do that.
"He is unbelievable on the pitch. I feel very secure. I feel like I can lose the ball when I have my midfielders behind me. He played very well for the national team, too."
United are targeting Premier League-proven talent for the next stage of Amorim's rebuild, having tried to bring in Carlos Baleba during the closing stages of the summer transfer window. Alongside Gomes on their radar are Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton and Brighton's Baleba.
Gomes wasn't included in the most recent Brazil squad by Carlo Ancelotti despite earning his first cap last year. He'll be keen to play a crucial part in Wolves' fight against the drop and bolster his case for a World Cup place - potentially setting the stage for a big move this summer.
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