Blink and you’ll miss it, Youri Tielemans is heading to Manchester United in one of the most surprising moves of the summer.
The Red Devils have moved rapidly behind the scenes to reach an agreement for the Belgian after seeing their move for Atalanta’s Ederson collapse in the middle of his medical.
Having already welcomed Andrey Santos, Man United have just one more midfield target left to sign to complete their rebuild, which may yet come in the form of Joao Gomes.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Man United’s aim has always been to welcome three midfielders, especially after Manuel Ugarte’s injury at the World Cup. They refused to overspend for Mateus Fernandes and were priced out in pursuit of Elliot Anderson, but have now got Santos sealed with Tielemans on the way. Gomes, fresh from relegation, would be the perfect third addition. |
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Finances |
Tielemans at £35m is a bargain, but Gomes at £30m would look like daylight robbery. Wolves will have little choice but to accept a cut-price for their midfielder this summer and that hands Man United a major boost. |
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Scouting |
Gomes would be the true Ederson alternative. The Brazilian excels out of possession, so much so that only two players won more tackles in the Premier League last season. Combine that with Tielemans – one of the best passers in English football – and Michael Carrick will have an excellent midfield. |
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Impact |
Gomes’ arrival would signal the end of Man United’s midfield search and create serious questions about the long-term future of Ugarte when he returns from injury next season. |
INEOS are wasting no time this summer and after sneaking Tielemans through the door, Gomes could be next.
Man Utd ready to move for Joao Gomes
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Man United are exploring a move for Gomes after Tielemans and Santos this summer. The Brazilian looks destined to leave Wolves following their relegation from the Premier League and is valued at just £30m – another undeniable bargain.
Whilst Liverpool are also interested, those at Old Trafford will hope to continue their momentum in the transfer window and welcome another midfielder, as the Reds focus on finding their Mohamed Salah replacement.
Gomes is the perfect partner for Tielemans
In terms of progressing play and dictating tempo in the middle of the park, it doesn’t get much better than Tielemans. But there are still some undeniable weaknesses.
The Belgian isn’t the most physical midfielder and certainly isn’t the most athletic. To platform his best traits, those negatives must be protected and that’s where Gomes could come in.
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PL tackles won 25/26 |
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James Garner (Everton) |
119 |
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Joao Palhinha (Tottenham) |
110 |
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Joao Gomes (Wolves) |
107 |
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Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace) |
103 |
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Mateus Fernandes (West Ham) |
103 |
Dubbed “excellent” by ex-Wolves boss Rob Edwards, Gomes would be the perfect partner for Tielemans. Whilst the Belgian would take the spotlight, the Brazilian’s work in the background would make all the difference at Old Trafford.
