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Lille could reportedly part ways with Manchester United target Angel Gomes in the January transfer window.
Gomes, who was released by United in 2020 owing to concerns over his physicality, has found his footing in the French top tier as a deep-lying playmaker. Lille placed their trust in Gomes, handing him a five-year contract before loaning him out to Boavista.
The ex-United talent initially struggled to show his ability higher up the field and eventually started playing as the deepest midfielder in Paulo Fonseca’s setup.
The role has helped him to show his immense ability with the ball at his feet and somewhat fulfill his potential.
New England manager Lee Carsley recognised Gomes’ rise in France and handed him his debut for the Three Lions early this month. The 24-year-old delivered an outstanding performance against Finland and underlined why he was once rated so highly in Manchester.
The upward trajectory has also led to interest from England’s biggest clubs. Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming United have joined the race for his signature.
Gomes has entered the final 10 months of his contract with Lille and will be free to negotiate a pre-contract with clubs outside France from January, ahead of a free transfer at the end of the season.
However, according to journalist Ekrem Konur, Lille “will be open to selling” Gomes in the winter window if they fail to extend his contract.
🚨🆕 #Exclusive 🏴 #Lille will be open to selling their 24-year-old midfielder Angel Gomes for 15-18 million euros in the January transfer window if they cannot extend his contract.
👀 Gomes has caught the attention with his performances at Lille and Napoli, Newcastle, Aston… https://t.co/YLuGp6tGW7 pic.twitter.com/jNmFSTeWZv
— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) September 24, 2024
The player seemingly holds all the power in negotiations. As such, despite his importance to their side, the French outfit are willing to accept offers of around €15 million to €18 million in January to avoid losing him for nothing a few months later.
Konur adds that United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Serie A giants Napoli are all interested in his services.
It will be interesting to see if Gomes makes a switch in January or waits for a more financially lucrative summer move as a free agent.
Regardless, if United are indeed interested in signing the midfielder, they would hope their past connection with Gomes would prove persuasive.
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