Joao Gomes Could Rank Among Wolves’ Biggest Ever Sales Amid Strong Manchester United Interest
Wolverhampton Wanderers supporters are becoming increasingly uneasy as speculation grows that midfielder Joao Gomes could be on the move when the January transfer window opens.
Since arriving at Molineux in early 2023, Gomes has quickly established himself as one of the standout performers in the squad. His energy, technical quality, and rapid development have made him a key figure in the team. However, Wolves fans are all too familiar with the club’s long-term strategy under owners Fosun International: nurturing talented players for a few years before eventually selling them for significant profit.
By January 2026, Gomes would have spent three years with Wolves, a timeline that fits the typical pattern of player turnover under the current ownership. But it appears that the clock may run out sooner. Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move, and what initially looked like interest for next summer has reportedly accelerated.
Recent reports suggest that both Wolves and United are “optimistic” about a deal being struck as early as this winter — a development that has intensified fears that Wolves could lose another top player halfway through the season.
Could Joao Gomes Become One of Wolves’ Most Expensive Ever Departures?
The potential transfer fee being discussed is around £44 million. While that is a substantial amount, many analysts believe it represents fair value given Gomes’ quality and the financial realities surrounding Wolves, who continue to balance competitiveness with meeting spending regulations.
If a deal at that figure materialises, Gomes would climb high on the list of Wolves’ biggest-ever sales. As it stands:
- Matheus Cunha holds the record at £62.5 million
- He is followed by Pedro Neto, Matheus Nunes, and Ruben Neves
A £44 million move would place Gomes fifth, or even fourth, depending on final valuations — firmly cementing his status as one of the most valuable assets Wolves have developed in recent years.
The Latest Transfer Situation
Respected journalist David Ornstein has reported that Wolves sources insist there have been no formal talks with Manchester United so far. While that offers some reassurance to supporters, it does not eliminate the concern entirely.
If Wolves find themselves in a difficult position in the league table by January — potentially drifting toward a relegation battle — the club may decide to cash in early rather than wait until the summer. Planning ahead for all financial scenarios has become a hallmark of Fosun’s management approach, especially given the Premier League’s strict financial rules.
A Transfer That Could Deliver Huge Profit for Fosun
From a business standpoint, a £44 million sale would represent an exceptional profit. Wolves secured Gomes for approximately £15 million in January 2023. Selling him for nearly three times that amount in under two years would be another example of Fosun’s successful buy-develop-sell model.
But while the ownership may view such deals as smart financial manoeuvring, many fans see things differently. Supporters have grown increasingly frustrated at the recurring cycle: a talented star arrives, impresses, becomes a fan favourite, and then leaves just as he reaches his peak.
Each time Wolves sell a major player, the club must once again scour international markets for the next hidden gem — hoping they can find someone capable of matching or surpassing the outgoing star’s impact.
Final Thoughts
If Joao Gomes does depart in January, it will mark yet another turning point in Wolves’ recent history. The midfielder has been one of the team’s brightest sparks, and losing him midway through the season would be a bitter blow for supporters. However, given the size of the fee, the club’s financial strategy, and Manchester United’s growing interest, a move cannot be ruled out.
For now, Wolves fans can only hope that Gomes stays long enough to help the team stabilize — but the growing noise around his future suggests that this may indeed be his final season at Molineux.