Tottenham on the verge of beating Man Utd in a tight race to sign £17m star in a bargain deal
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly growing in confidence that they can beat rivals Manchester United to the signing of talented midfielder Angel Gomes from Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille, according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey.
The 24-year-old playmaker, once a highly regarded academy product at Manchester United, made the bold decision to leave Old Trafford in 2020 in search of more regular playing time and a clearer development pathway. That opportunity came in France, where Gomes has steadily risen to prominence with Lille, impressing with his technical skill, vision, and versatility in midfield.
Now, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season, Gomes is expected to leave Lille on a free transfer in pursuit of a fresh challenge—and a potential return to the Premier League appears to be on the cards.
According to Bailey, speaking to TBR Football, Manchester United are interested in bringing Gomes back to Old Trafford, believing the midfielder still has unfinished business in the red shirt. However, they aren’t the only club in the running. Fellow Premier League outfits West Ham United and Aston Villa have also been monitoring the situation closely and could make moves of their own.
Despite the competition, Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly leading the race. The North London club have been working diligently behind the scenes to lure Gomes to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and are said to be ‘confident’ that they are now in pole position to complete the deal. A major factor in their favor could be Gomes’ roots—although he came through the Manchester United youth academy, he was born and raised in North London, which may give Spurs the edge on a more personal level.
Spurs Holding the Upper Hand—On and Off the Pitch
Recent history also favors Tottenham. Ange Postecoglou’s side have enjoyed a strong record against Manchester United of late, having defeated them four times this season alone. The Red Devils haven’t managed to beat Spurs since 2022, and now it appears they might lose out to them in the transfer market as well.
To make matters more difficult for United, their failure to qualify for any European competition next season following their disappointing Europa League campaign has significantly reduced their appeal to top targets. Financial constraints are also beginning to bite at Old Trafford, making cost-effective signings like Gomes—who would be available on a free transfer—an attractive proposition.
However, Tottenham can offer something their rivals currently can’t: Champions League football. With Spurs securing qualification to Europe’s elite competition under Postecoglou, they are in a much stronger position to attract high-quality players who want to perform on the biggest stage. For Gomes, the opportunity to return to his hometown, play in Europe, and become part of an exciting project under an ambitious manager could be a compelling combination.
A Smart Addition for Spurs
Gomes, currently valued at approximately £17 million by Transfermarkt, is considered one of the more technically proficient young English midfielders in Europe. He has been deployed effectively as a deep-lying playmaker, where his intelligence, quick feet, and sharp passing allow him to dictate the tempo of games. His ability to operate both defensively and creatively makes him an ideal candidate for Postecoglou’s fluid, attacking system.
For Tottenham, depth and versatility will be key as they prepare to juggle the demands of Premier League and Champions League football next season. Adding a player like Gomes, who brings both quality and flexibility, would strengthen their midfield significantly and offer valuable rotation options.
In what is shaping up to be a crucial transfer window, securing the services of Angel Gomes on a free transfer would represent a major coup for Tottenham Hotspur—especially if it comes at the expense of one of their biggest rivals.