Angel Gomes has announced he will leave LOSC Lille when his contract expires this summer.
After more than four years with the French club, the midfielder took to Instagram to announce his imminent departure.
There is clearly no ill-feeling between Gomes and Lille, however, as he issued an emotional statement reflecting on his time in northern France.
“After four unforgettable years, it’s time to say goodbye,” said Gomes. “To the fans – thank you for your amazing support and for believing in me. I will forever be grateful.”
Gomes has made 134 appearances across all competitions for Lille, managing 10 goals from a deep-lying midfield role. He claimed his first five England caps under Lee Carsley last year, who clearly holds Gomes in high esteem.
News of his exit will certainly prick the ears of Premier League clubs. Here are three clubs that should be targeting Gomes’ signature.
Manchester United
Despite allowing Gomes to leave as an 18-year-old prospect in 2020, Manchester United would really benefit from re-signing the industrious midfielder.
Despite a recent improvement in Casemiro’s form, Ruben Amorim’s side are still crying out for some added dynamism in their midfield. Gomes brings just that.
He only managed five first-team appearances for the club, but became the youngest player in more than 60 years to make their Manchester United debut. Gomes replaced Wayne Rooney in a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace in 2017, aged just 16 years and 263 days.
Newcastle United
Many would agree that Newcastle United boast one of the strongest midfields in the Premier League. Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali have been nothing short of phenomenal this season. Jamie Carragher singled out Tonali for a spot in his ‘Team of the Season’ this week.
But this trio’s fantastic form looks as if it will likely secure the Magpies a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League, which will only increase the need for the club to bolster their midfield options.
Their first Champions League campaign under Eddie Howe in 2023/24 saw Newcastle struggle with the congested fixture list, ultimately finishing bottom of their group.
Adding Gomes to their ranks would allow the likes of Guimaraes and Tonali to have rests when needed. Gomes also has vital Champions League experience, making eight appearances in the competition for Lille.
Gomes and Newcastle defender Sven Botman are also close. Could this play a part in a potential transfer?
Everton
This summer is going to be one of change at Everton. After a disastrous first half of this current campaign, they have looked rejuvenated under David Moyes since he took over in January.
As the Toffees move into a new stadium, this summer will see contracts expire for midfielders Abdoulaye Doucoure, Idrissa Gueye and Orel Mangala. Should these players leave, Gomes would be a fantastic, young replacement.
During his first England appearances in 2024, fans became accustomed to Gomes’ ability to keep the ball in tight spaces and thread intricate passes into teammates. As Everton look to move away from bottom-half finishes and challenge higher up the table, Gomes could be a shrewd addition with no cost.
This move would also see Gomes link up with former Manchester United academy and England teammate, James Garner.
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