Angel Gomes is attracting plenty of top European interest ahead of his contract expiring with Lille next summer.
Ironically, Manchester United are said to be among the mix of clubs targeting a move when he becomes a free agent – five years after they let him leave for nothing.
The then-19-year-old did rebuff a new deal at Old Trafford, but only because he was adamant about taking the next step in his career by gaining some much-needed first-team minutes, and he certainly wasn’t getting them with United.
Gomes made only 10 appearances in red before his Ligue 1 move. At the time of his debut, he etched his name into the history books when he became the youngest player since Duncan Edwards to make his senior bow, as well as the first player born in the 2000s to represent United.
How Gomes has fared since his United departure
(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)A successful loan spell with Boavista kickstarted Gomes’ career going from strength to strength. He returned to Lille and began playing an integral role at the heart of their midfield – and he’s only continued to flourish since.
The Carrington graduate’s influence in England’s U21 Euros win last year led to Lee Carsley – his manager at the tournament – immediately calling upon Gomes when he took over the Three Lions job on an interim basis. He has earned three senior international caps since his debut in September, with Roy Keane even dishing out some rare praise when lauding the player’s ‘pure quality’ after watching him in action for his nation on one occasion.
Alas, it’s no surprise that clubs are beginning to circle, especially given that he’ll be a free agent if he continues to hold off on contract talks with the French outfit.
According to GiveMeSport, Gomes is now ‘eager’ to return to the Premier League and showcase his abilities with more experience under his belt. United will, however, have to fend off stern interest from Tottenham Hotspur, while Liverpool have also been linked in recent months.