Manchester United’s academy graduate, Angel Gomes, has been making waves on the international stage. Gomes recently made his second start for England, impressing against Finland. Former Reds captain, Roy Keane, praised the 24-year-old for his performance, highlighting a “pure quality” defence-splitting pass he made to Jack Grealish, leading to England’s first goal of the evening. With Erik ten Hag’s squad facing questions about their holding midfielders, some Manchester United fans are advocating for Gomes’ return to Old Trafford.
Angel Gomes expressed the difficulty of his past decision to leave Manchester United for Lille.
Angel Gomes said, “It was a very difficult decision. In my heart, I wanted to leave, in my head, I was thinking of staying. I felt that I needed to take another step in my career. I felt that had I stayed, there wouldn’t be a lot of opportunities for me. Luis Campos [Lille’s then sporting director] and Lille spoke about their project and I believed in it even more, that’s what convinced me to move – the faith Lille had in me. Obviously, it’s home. I just have to keep my feet on the ground, and keep playing, making the most of it. I can’t predict what will happen in the future.”
There is speculation about a buy-back clause in Gomes’ contract from when he moved to France, though it’s not widely reported. His current deal with Lille is set to expire at the end of the season. If he does not agree to a contract extension, Gomes will be free to negotiate with foreign clubs by January. This provides Manchester United a chance to secure him with a pre-contract agreement for the 2025/26 season, especially in light of Christian Eriksen’s expected departure. According to TBR Football, Gomes has informed Lille of his unwillingness to extend his stay in France, though dynamics in football can swiftly change, and United might reconsider adding another midfielder.
