Manchester United have dispatched an official to Portugal to initiate discussions regarding a potential transfer for Porto winger William Gomes, though reports suggest a move to Serie A is currently more probable.
Porto recently secured the Portuguese Primeira Liga title, finishing with 88 points after winning 28 of their 34 league matches, six points ahead of Sporting CP. Despite an unbeaten domestic campaign, Benfica, managed by Jose Mourinho, finished third due to a high number of drawn matches.
Gomes, a 20-year-old Brazilian right winger, played a significant role in Porto’s title-winning season, contributing 13 goals and two assists in 46 appearances across all competitions. His performances have established him as one of Portugal’s promising young talents.
According to Spanish outlet AS, several clubs are vying for Gomes’ signature, including Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Roma. Representatives from United, Arsenal, Newcastle and Roma have reportedly visited Porto to assess his availability, though no formal offers have been submitted at this stage. Atletico Madrid are particularly keen, viewing Gomes as a priority target to bolster their attacking options.
However, Porto are currently reluctant to sell Gomes this summer, preferring to raise funds through the sales of other players such as Victor Froholdt and Pepe. The club is reportedly demanding his full release clause of €80 million (£69 million) be met, which could deter potential suitors. Waiting until summer 2027 may prove more fruitful for interested clubs, as Porto are expected to be more open to a sale then.
Despite United’s interest, the club is believed to be prioritizing the signing of a left winger. AC Milan’s Rafael Leao has emerged as a concrete target, with the player himself discussing a potential move to Old Trafford in a recent interview. Leao’s valuation has reportedly fallen to €50 million (£43 million), bringing him within United’s price range. This shift in focus suggests United may redirect resources towards securing Leao instead of pursuing Gomes this transfer window.
Securing Leao would address a more pressing need in United’s squad, while Gomes’ potential arrival could be delayed as Porto seek to retain their key player for at least another season.
