England Star Suggests ‘Difficult to Decline’ Potential Manchester United Move
Angel Gomes has hinted at the possibility of making a dramatic return to Manchester United amid increasing interest in the talented England midfielder.
At 24, Gomes is a product of United’s renowned academy and made his debut for the first team as a teenager. He left the club in 2020 for a stint at Lille, where his performances have significantly raised his profile, culminating in his first caps for England just last month.
With his contract at Lille nearing its final year, Gomes finds himself at the center of transfer rumors as the winter transfer window approaches. While he has not revealed any specific clubs that are interested, he acknowledges that returning to his roots at Old Trafford would be a challenging offer to turn down. In an interview with The Times, Gomes stated, “While it would be incredible, having found happiness abroad, I know that playing in the Premier League isn’t everything.”
He added, “There will always be that sentimental attachment, so saying no would be difficult.”
Last month, The Telegraph reported that Gomes has attracted interest from both domestic and international clubs, with the possibility of negotiating a summer transfer as a free agent beginning in January. This situation might encourage Lille to consider selling him in the upcoming transfer window to avoid losing him for nothing.
Newcastle has been mentioned as a potential destination for Gomes. In a noteworthy comment, Nicky Butt, who coached Gomes during his formative years at Manchester United, suggested to PA that Gomes could be capable of performing at a higher level than some of the Premier League teams that may pursue him.
“I believe he can excel beyond what some of the clubs in the Premier League can offer. The Spanish league seems to suit him well. He could easily play in the Premier League; he could join Manchester City right away,” Butt remarked. “When Angel left United, I told him, ‘You’re going to have an incredible career, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you find yourself facing Manchester United while playing for Barcelona or Real Madrid in the next five to seven years,’ because he was that talented. I genuinely believed this long before his England debut.”
“He could adapt to the Premier League without a doubt. He could step into [Manchester] City’s team tomorrow. But looking at Manchester United’s current setup, he would need the stamina to navigate the midfield, where there seems to be a significant gap, as players seem to move through the United midfield with ease. That would make things quite challenging for him.”