​Liverpool could have a fresh chance to sting Manchester United after a troublesome setback for their rivals in the transfer market. The Old Trafford club appeared to have secured a £35 million agreement to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson last month, but subsequent medical tests have uncovered an issue that now threatens to derail the deal, according to BBC Sport. If that move collapses, Michael Carrick’s side will need to pivot and consider alternative targets, one of whom already has attention from United’s northwest counterparts.
Globo Esporte reports that both Liverpool and Manchester United have been in contact with Wolves to discuss the feasibility, pricing, and structure of a potential move for Joao Gomes. The 25-year-old had been lined up to join Atletico Madrid for €45 million (£38.3 million) until a dispute with his agent, Jorge Mendes, disrupted the deal and caused negotiations to stall. Gomes would represent one of Wolves’ most valuable assets following their relegation from the Premier League, having impressed throughout last season even as the team dropped out of the top flight.
For Empire of the Kop readers seeking more coverage, the app offers up-to-the-minute breaking news delivered straight to your device—available on Apple and Google Play. Liverpool’s interest in Gomes goes back to 2022, when he was performing for Flamengo in Brazil, suggesting that this is not a reaction to Wolves’ relegation but a measured long-term scouting effort. Rob Edwards, who previously managed Gomes at Molineux, praised him as a “wonderful player,” and Fotmob data from the previous season highlighted Gomes as one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders in several key metrics.
Of course, Gomes’s strengths and weaknesses are nuanced. While he excelled in certain areas, he underperformed in others, and a reported £38 million price tag with Atletico would provide a clear benchmark for his market value. Should that valuation hold, Gomes could emerge as a more attainable midfield option compared with alternatives like Felix Nmecha and Ayyoub Bouaddi, who carry higher price tags. United’s interest in Gomes could intensify Liverpool’s pursuit, potentially sharpening the competitive edge between the two clubs and intensifying the frustration over the Ederson pursuit that appears to be stalling.
With the summer window still open, there remains a strong possibility that Gomes will depart Wolves before the transfer deadline. The destination, however, promises to remain a topic of widespread speculation. As United weigh their options and pursue alternatives, Liverpool are ready to press their advantage, seeking to secure a deal that could shape the midfield balance for the season ahead and, in the process, add another layer to the enduring rivalry between the two Premier League powerhouses.