Manchester United might have found their bargain Casemiro replacement
Man Utd plan to overhaul their midfield next summer with at least two signings required.
The January transfer window might be just around the corner, but Manchester United are already planning for the summer as well.
Ruben Amorim has prioritised a midfield refresh next year, with at least two additions wanted in the position. United will be alert to any market opportunities that arise in January, though they are more likely to do business at the end of the season instead.
United have a desire to sign both a long-term replacement for defensive midfielder Casemiro and a mobile midfielder who can cope with the physical demands of the Premier League. Amorim would ideally like to sign someone who has already proven they have the athleticism to compete in the English top-flight; the solution could be to sign someone who looks set to be relegated from it.
Manchester United could grab bargain buy
Manchester United fans might roll their eyes at the mere suggestion of signing a relegated Premier League star next summer, but there might be a bargain available who could improve their starting line up.
United targeted Premier League experience when they signed both Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this summer, and the duo have both started life well at Old Trafford, with little time required for them to adapt to their new surroundings. Ruben Amorim believes there is 'less risk' attached to signing those who have already played in the English top-flight, and that has certainly been the case with those two additions, who have each relished the step up in quality.
It shouldn't be the only factor United consider when it comes to recruitment, though they could repeat their transfer strategy with a possible bargain move for Wolves star Joao Gomes. He might play for the current worst side in the Premier League, but the 24-year-old has already showcased he has a lot more to offer. Gomes has made 10 appearances for the Brazil national side, the most recent last month, but lost his place in the latest squad amid the struggles he has encountered at club level this season. He will be itching to get it back ahead of the World Cup next summer.
A January transfer might appeal to Gomes as he targets an international recall, though it is the last thing Wolves would want as they fight to stay in the Premier League. It makes a transfer next summer more likely, and United will keep their options open as they look to refresh their midfield, with a possible bargain buy of interest, regardless of who else is on the market.
United also have an interest in Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson, though any of that trio would likely command a club record fee in excess of £100 million. Gomes would cost roughly half of that if Wolves are relegated, and could look to leave even if they manage to survive by the end of the campaign.
Gomes comparison with Baleba and Casemiro
When it comes to gauging his talent, it is fair to compare Joao Gomes with the man he would replace in Casemiro and the player Manchester United enquired to sign in the summer, Carlos Baleba.
Gomes leads the way with minutes played in the Premier League this season and is also joint with Casemiro for five chances created. The Wolves midfielder boasts the highest passing accuracy of the trio and is second when it changes to long pass accuracy. He also leads the way with 27 tackles made, double the number Baleba has.
He isn’t the most dynamic midfielder, though. Baleba and Casemiro both comfortably beat Gomes for take-on success, while his ground duel success is far below Casemiro’s. However, he leads the way with both clearances and interceptions and is only one behind Casemiro concerning blocked shots.
His game time is certainly a factor. Those metrics are totals across the season, and when changed to Per90, he only comes out on top in passing accuracy and clearances, though there are several very closely competed comparisons. It is harsh to penalise him for his playing time when he has been so reliable for such a dysfunctional side.
Gomes clearly has a lot more to offer, and he could offer it in the United midfield.
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