United to miss out on top midfield orchestrator with CL club “set to win race” for his signature – report

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly set to miss out on the chance to sign Lille midfielder Angel Gomes as Olympique de Marseille close in on his signature.

United are eyeing squad reinforcements and the midfield is an area of the pitch the club could bolster after a disappointing 2024/25 season.

The Red Devils finished in 15th place, having suffered 18 defeats and amassed just 42 points. They also blew the chance to sneak into the Champions League after losing 1-0 to Tottenham in the Europa League final at San Mames.

Much of United’s transfer activity has centred around bolstering the attack, but it’s increasingly evident that midfield additions are just as necessary, especially after confirmation of Christian Eriksen’s departure.

United are in need of midfielders who fit seamlessly into Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 setup. More importantly, they need technically gifted players who are comfortable on the ball, capable of controlling the tempo, and able to complement the creative influence of Bruno Fernandes and the dynamism of Kobbie Mainoo. This is where Gomes comes in.

Gomes departed United in the summer of 2020 to join Lille, having struggled to break into the first team. Since then, he’s developed into one of Ligue 1’s standout midfielders, but his chapter with the French side has now come to a close.

Last month, Gomes confirmed he would leave Lille when his contract expires at the end of June. The club made efforts to extend his stay, but he declined, and as a result, he spent his final weeks largely confined to the bench.

A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United were planning to make a move for Gomes. In addition to United, he was also strongly linked to Tottenham. However, in an effort to beat competition from other suitors, Marseille opened talks to land the 24-year-old.

Now, Graeme Bailey of TBR Football has revealed that Marseille are “set to win the race” for the England international, beating United and Tottenham.

TBR note, “Roberto De Zerbi’s team have seen off competition from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United after securing Champions League qualification.”

“Tottenham had been determined to land Angel Gomes as they saw it as such a great opportunity to sign a player without paying a transfer fee, but he will instead join Marseille, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has been told.”

Other midfielders mentioned to be on United’s radar are Ederson (Atalanta), Jobe Bellingham (Sunderland), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Quinten Timber (Feyenoord) and James McAtee (Manchester City).

Feature image by Adrien Dennis via Getty Images

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