Joao Gomes: Aston Villa strike agreement for long-term United target | OneFootball

Manchester United have missed out on one of their top midfield targets to Aston Villa.

It has been widely reported that United are now in the market for a defensive midfielder to add energy and running power to their midfield following the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.

Last week, The Peoples Person relayed a report from Globo Esporte claiming United have made contact to sign Joao Gomes from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Joao Gomes to join Aston Villa

Joao Gomes reportedly emerged as Ederson’s alternative after his fellow countryman failed to pass the club’s medical tests and returned to Atalanta. 

The aforementioned report also suggested that United considered signing Gomes from Wolves during the winter transfer window, but Ruben Amorim’s abrupt exit left their plans in tatters at the time.

Now, Aston Villa have moved swiftly to strike an agreement with Wolves for the 25-year-old. 

According to Fabrizio Romano, Gomes is set to join Villa in a package worth up to £38 million.

“João Gomes to Aston Villa, here we go! Verbal agreement in place at €40m fee plus €5m add-ons,” Romano wrote on X.

Gomes, who is known for his intensity out of possession, has left Wolves’ training camp in Portugal to complete his move to Villa.

Aston Villa secure Youri Tielemans replacement

The decisive move from the Birmingham outfit appears to be their direct response to United signing Youri Tielemans.

Villa had no desire to part ways with their midfield leaders, but United triggered the £35m release clause in his contract after convincing the Belgian to move to Old Trafford.

Earlier today, Tielemans delivered an emotional farewell message for the Villa staff and supporters, writing on Instagram: “Dear Villans, To everyone involved in this incredible journey, thank you for the past 3 beautiful years. My teammates whom I’ve shared many amazing memories, Damian Vidagany and Unai Emery for believing in me, making me grow as a man and developing me into a better player.”

Tielemans seals his dream move to United after making 134 appearances for Villa, helping them end their 44-year wait for a European trophy last term.

Featured image Naomi Baker via Getty Images

online polls

The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social