It seems this summer is turning out to be a ‘summer of rejection’ for Manchester United. The Red Devils have now been rejected by another of their transfer targets, Joao Gomes. The Flamengo midfielder emerged on the radars of United after some promising displays for his side. However, Gomes happens to have his heart set over a move to United’s ferocious rivals Liverpool.
Gomes has rose to prominence after making his name with the Brazilian giants Flamengo. He has so far made a staggering 93 appearances for the club at just 21-years-old. Further on, he is now garnering interest from some of the elite European clubs which already include United. And according to Brazilian news outlet Coluna do Fla, the Red Devils are ready to launch an official bid as well to bring Gomes to Europe.
Joao Gomes has Liverpool in sights instead of Manchester United
While last summer was a banging one for United where they landed Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho, a completed turn around in the situation has taken place. The Red Devils are finding it difficult to lure their top transfer targets to Old Trafford and Gomes is the latest to join the list.
The news piece from Coluna do Fla adds that Manchester United have been scouting Joao Gomes for months now and are eyeing a deal to sign him. United are ready to shell out as much as over £30 million to secure his services according to the report. However, the club first needs to change Gomes’ mind which dreams to play for Liverpool.
Speaking to ESPN Brazil, Gomes said: “Liverpool are a team I’d play for. 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.”
Joao Gomes now joins Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong and RB Salzburg’s Benjamin Sesko who have refused to don the famous United t-shirt. United, despite agreeing a £71 million deal for De Jong with Barca are yet to land their prime target. The midfielder reportedly wants Champions League football and would rather stay at Camp Nou, or join Chelsea who are the latest to table an offer for him.
Meanwhile, Sesko has signed for RB Leipzig after a brilliant last couple of seasons with Salzburg. The striker however has signed a deal with the German club in effect from the 2023 summer. United boss Erik ten Hag only welcomed three signings so far in Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia. And it after a dreary start to their campaign with a defeat against Brighton, it seems highly unlikely they complete a lucrative signing this summer.
On the other hand, Liverpool should bat an eye to Joao Gomes since he is ready to move and the Reds too face lack of options in midfield. Jurgen Klopp has three of his first-team midfielders out with injuries in Thiago, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones. The remaining, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho are also on the wrong side of their 30s now.
Gomes would be a star for the present as well as future for the Merseyside club if all they decide to scout him and sign him. Klopp has a brilliant mentality of developing young talents and Gomes would solve his midfield crisis as well. However, he wants a more of a experienced midfielder at the moment and hence would not gamble with the Brazilian.