Angel Gomes could be set for a return to England, five years after leaving Manchester United. A Premier League club has shown interest in signing the midfielder, raising the possibility of him playing in the English top flight once again. Gomes, who progressed through Manchester United’s academy, made his senior debut in 2017 under Jose Mourinho. However, he struggled to secure regular first-team opportunities and eventually left the club in the summer of 2020. Instead of renewing his contract, he decided to move to Ligue 1 side Lille in search of more playing time and career growth.
Shortly after signing with Lille, Gomes was loaned to Portuguese side Boavista for the 2020-21 season. This move allowed him to gain crucial match experience, and he made an immediate impact, scoring six goals in 32 appearances. His performances in Portugal helped him develop further, and he returned to Lille the following season, where he gradually became an important player. Since then, Gomes has made 130 appearances for Lille, contributing nine goals and showcasing his versatility and playmaking abilities in midfield.
His steady progress at club level did not go unnoticed on the international stage. Having previously represented England at various youth levels, from under-16 to under-21, Gomes earned a call-up to the senior national team. He has since accumulated four caps, further highlighting his development and growing reputation as a talented midfielder. His ability to operate in multiple midfield roles has made him a valuable asset, and his performances have caught the attention of Premier League clubs looking for creative players.
Gomes’s current contract with Lille is set to expire at the end of the season. If he does not agree to a new deal with the French club, he will be available on a free transfer in the summer. This situation has attracted interest from West Ham United, who are reportedly considering bringing the 23-year-old back to England. With Graham Potter recently taking over as manager, West Ham appear to be targeting technically gifted players to strengthen their squad. Gomes fits that profile perfectly, given his vision, dribbling ability, and creativity in midfield.
Reports indicate that West Ham is not only interested in Gomes but also in his Lille teammate, Jonathan David. The Canadian striker has been a key player for Lille and is also nearing the end of his contract. If neither player renews their deal, West Ham could attempt to sign both on free transfers in the summer. However, it remains unclear whether West Ham will make a move in the January transfer window, which would be Lille’s last opportunity to secure a transfer fee for either player.
A January move would depend on several factors, including Lille’s willingness to negotiate and West Ham’s readiness to pay a fee. Lille may be reluctant to lose key players midway through the season, especially if they are competing for European qualification. On the other hand, selling Gomes and David in January would ensure they do not leave for free in the summer. West Ham, meanwhile, may prefer to wait until the end of the season to avoid paying a transfer fee, but they risk facing competition from other clubs if they delay their approach.
For Gomes, a return to the Premier League could be an exciting prospect. After developing his game in France, he now has the opportunity to prove himself in one of the world’s most competitive leagues. His ability to play as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or deep-lying playmaker would provide West Ham with tactical flexibility. Additionally, his experience at Lille and Boavista has prepared him for the demands of top-level football, making him a strong candidate to make an impact in the Premier League.
West Ham’s interest in both Gomes and David suggests that the club is looking to strengthen its squad with technically skilled players. Potter’s arrival signals a shift toward a more possession-based, progressive style of play, and signing a player like Gomes aligns with that vision. His return to England would not only be a homecoming but also a chance to showcase his growth and prove himself on a bigger stage.
As the January transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Lille, West Ham, and Gomes himself. Whether he moves in January or waits until the summer remains to be seen, but his future is set to be a major talking point in the coming months. If West Ham manages to secure his signature, it could be a smart acquisition that adds creativity and depth to their midfield while marking an important step forward in Gomes’s career.
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