According to Diario do Fla, Manchester United are prepared to agree a £32million fee for Joao Gomes. United wants to sign a defensive midfielder and they might complete a deal with the Brazilian side Flamengo. The 21-year-old defensive midfielder could be the answer to what Manchester United have been lacking for the past few years.
Manchester United have signed several good defenders in the past few years. However, their defense is still leaking goals this season. Both 6th placed Manchester United and 9th placed Aston Villa have conceded 40 goals in the league. Out of the top six, United have conceded the most goals which has also severely damaged their title hopes.
United are desperate to sign a proper defensive midfielder as it has been very visible this season. Their defense has no cover and is left exposed quite easily. United were supposed to be one of the title challengers this season but their season has been far from what was expected. United currently have Matic who is the only proper defensive midfielder.
However, Matic is getting older and does not have the legs to play week in and week out. Moreover, he is also lacking the pace and awareness that he had before. United should seriously sort this situation out if they want to be anywhere near the title challengers. According to another report by Diario do Fla, United could look for a swap deal by selling Andreas Pereira to Flamengo permanently for Joao Gomes.
Why Manchester United have targeted Joao Gomes?
Manchester United are lacking that defensive midfielder who is very important to title winning sides. Almost every elite club has one elite defensive midfielder who does the job and ticks their team. For example, Fabinho at Liverpool, Rodri at Manchester City, Sergio Busquets at Barcelona and Casemiro at Real Madrid.
A defensive midfielder’s job is to screen the defense and break the the opposition plays. He also has to dictate the tempo of the game while also having an eye for a pass through the lines. He provides some help to the backline and can also act as an extra center back if needed. However, the most important thing is to break the plays and eliminate most of the opposition’s attacking threat.
As previously established, Nemanja Matic is no more the midfielder to do the job week in week out. Moreover, he also does not have the pace to fall back quickly if left vulnerable at the back. Whereas, a young 21-year-old could do all of what Matic is unable to do now. Joao Gomes could be one of United’s very important signings for the next season.
Manchester United could also get the player for a swap deal which has worked very well for the club. Andreas Pereira is currently on loan to Flamengo from Manchester United and has enjoyed his time at the club. For making the move permanent, United could ask for Joao Gomes in return while also saving funds to sign players in different areas of the pitch.
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