Wolverhampton Wanderers are considering a bold January transfer move that could see midfielder Joao Gomes join Manchester United, with out-of-favour striker Joshua Zirkzee moving in the opposite direction.
New Manager Faces Relegation Battle
Rob Edwards has taken charge at Molineux following his departure from Middlesbrough, replacing Vitor Pereira as manager. The former Watford and Luton Town boss inherits a team in serious trouble, with Wolves sitting bottom of the Premier League after failing to win any of their first 11 matches.
The Midlands club are currently eight points from safety, sharing the relegation zone with West Ham and Nottingham Forest while looking up at Burnley in 17th position. Edwards will use the January window to reshape his squad, potentially moving players on to create space and generate funds.
Manchester United's Interest in Gomes
According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United have identified Wolves' Brazilian midfielder Joao Gomes as a potential target to strengthen their midfield options. The 24-year-old arrived in England from Flamengo in 2023 and has adapted well to Premier League football.
Gomes has made 98 appearances for Wolves across all competitions, scoring seven goals, including nine appearances this season. His contract runs until 2030, giving Wolves a strong negotiating position despite their precarious league standing.
The Brazil international, who has earned 10 caps for his country, has become an important part of Wolves' starting lineup. The club would be reluctant to lose him mid-season, particularly to a direct Premier League rival.
Potential Swap Deal Solution
Wolves could propose a swap deal that would see Joshua Zirkzee join their ranks from Old Trafford. The Dutch striker has struggled to make an impact since joining Manchester United and has fallen out of favour under manager Ruben Amorim.
Zirkzee, also 24, scored 14 goals in 58 appearances for Bologna before his move to United and has earned six caps for the Netherlands. He previously had spells at Bayern Munich and Anderlecht but needs regular playing time to rebuild his confidence and career.
With Wolves desperately needing more firepower - they've struggled for goals this season - Zirkzee could provide competition for current striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. The Mirror reports that Everton, West Ham, Roma, Juventus and PSV Eindhoven are also interested in the forward, indicating he remains highly regarded in European football.
This potential exchange could benefit both clubs: United would secure their midfield target while Wolves would add much-needed attacking quality without a significant financial outlay.
