Manchester United continue to be linked with a move for Lille midfielder Angel Gomes, just four years after leaving the club on a free transfer.
The Reds academy graduate became the first player born in the 2000s to play for United after making his debut in May 2017. Gomes was highly rated throughout his time in the United youth set-up, going on to make 10 senior appearances before departing the club in 2020 after failing to agree terms over a new deal.
Since then, his ascent has been remarkable. It’s worth throwing in the caveat that had he not experienced the level of first-team football he has since leaving Old Trafford, he might not have gone on to become a fully fledged England international.
Gomes’ performances with the Three Lions have been impressive and it should come as no surprise to see him linked with not just United, but a number of other Premier League clubs. The former Reds youngster was predominantly a number ten during his time at Carrington, but was utilised by Lee Carsley in a deep-lying midfield role on international duty.
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Also capable of playing on the wing, Gomes would add some much needed versatility to United’s current squad, if they were to enter negotiations in January. Ruben Amorim’s side would be able to hold talks over a reunion for the 24-year-old at the turn of the year with his contract set to expire with his current club this summer.
Lille could be tempted to cash in on the midfielder who has one goal and one assist to his name so far this season, before potentially losing him on a free transfer at the end of the campaign. A free transfer would be a huge boost for United and their battle to pass the Premier League’s PSR deadline, while also allowing them to invest into other areas of the squad.
During the recent draw with Ipswich, Amorim played Amad Diallo in an unorthodox wing-back role. United have had their fair share of injuries in recent weeks, so bolstering the squad with a player like Gomes, would allow Diallo to be utilised further forward.
After all, Gomes has played in a deeper role for England and with his current club, arguably having more defensive awareness than Amad who operates better in the final third. That’s not taking anything away from the Ivorian who has been one of the bright sparks from an otherwise disappointing campaign to date for United.
Gomes is a signing that makes perfect sense. It would allow Amorim to utilise his preferred 3-4-3 formation which we saw for the first time at Portman Road.
The England international could also add some much needed creativity to the final third, if he were to be utilised as one of the number tens behind the central striker. Gomes finished last season with ten assists in all competitions for Lille and two goals to his name.]
Though he’s not the most clinical in front of goal, the young Englishman is a creator and that’s something United are crying out for at present time.
