Napoli look to have the advantage in signing Wolves midfielder João Gomes, potentially joining Scott McTominay in midfield. Betting angle: punters may back Napoli to complete the deal in January and shorten markets on Napoli finishing high in Serie A or Gomes to make immediate starts — consider transfer market bets and Napoli performance markets for value.
Napoli appear to lead race for João Gomes as McTominay flourishes
Napoli have emerged as favourites to sign Wolves midfielder João Gomes, a move that would pair the Brazilian with Scott McTominay in a midfield that has quickly become crucial to the Serie A champions. McTominay was sold to Napoli in the summer of 2024 for £26.4m (€30.5m) and has flourished, contributing 21 goals in 63 appearances, including eight this season.
Transfer status: agreement with player but fee unresolved
Sources indicate Napoli have already reached terms with João Gomes over a potential move, but a transfer fee with Wolves has not yet been finalised. Gomes joined Wolves from Flamengo in 2023 after previously being linked with Manchester United, and United held interest in the Brazilian as far back as 2022. With negotiations ongoing, Naples appear to hold the upper hand — at least on the personal-terms side.
What it means for Manchester United
A Gomes transfer to Napoli would be another missed target for Manchester United, who have been linked with the midfielder for years. United’s chances of signing him look reduced if Napoli close the deal, intensifying questions over midfield rebuilding and search for alternative targets.
How Gomes would strengthen Napoli
Adding Gomes would deepen Napoli’s midfield options and offer tactical flexibility alongside McTominay and the returning Frank Anguissa. Gomes provides energy, ball progression and defensive cover — qualities that could help Napoli sustain a title push and cope with fixture congestion across domestic and European competitions.
Betting considerations and market impact
Punters should expect transfer markets to shorten if Napoli formally announce Gomes — markets to watch include "next club" and "January transfers." On team-performance books, Napoli’s odds for domestic success or top-four finishes could shorten as midfield depth improves. For in-play value, consider markets such as "will Gomes start in his first month" or Napoli’s immediate league performance after the window, but account for medicals, paperwork and integration time.
Numbers showcase McTominay’s dominant display vs. Inter
Scott McTominay left Manchester United in the summer of 2024 to join Napoli and could be joined by a player previously linked with a move to Old Trafford
Manchester Evening News
