England star admits 'it would be difficult to say no' to blockbuster Man Utd transfer

Angel Gomes has left the door open for a sensational return to Manchester United, amidst burgeoning interest in the England midfield maestro.

Now 24, Gomes is a product of United’s esteemed academy and made his first-team bow as a teenager before parting ways with the club for a spell at Lille in 2020. His time in French football has seen his stock rise, with performances so strong they’ve earned him his first England caps just last month.

With his Lille contract ticking down to its final year, the creative force finds himself at the heart of mounting transfer speculation as the winter window approaches. Though Gomes remains tight-lipped about specific suitors, he concedes a comeback to his formative club would be a tough proposition to dismiss.

Discussing potential Premier League moves and the possibility of returning to Old Trafford with The Times, Gomes acknowledged: “As amazing as it would be, after finding happiness abroad I know [playing in the Premier League] is not the be-all and end-all.”

Adding that, given his sentimental ties, “There’ll always be that sentimental soft spot, so of course it’d be difficult to say no.”

The Telegraph revealed attention from clubs both domestic and continental last month, noting Gomes’ eligibility to enter discussions with foreign outfits regarding a summer free transfer come January. This situation nudges Lille towards cashing in during the upcoming transfer window, lest they lose out on a fee.

While specifics are scant, Newcastle has cropped up as a potential contender for Gomes’ signature. In an interesting twist, Nicky Butt, Gomes’ coach during his development years at Manchester United, hinted to PA that Gomes might surpass the level of some English clubs showing interest.

“I think he can do better than some of the teams that will be in for him in the Premier League. The Spanish league is written all over for Angel. He could play in the Premier League easily. He could play for City tomorrow, “he said.

“When Angel left United, I said to him: ‘You’re going to go on and have an unbelievable career and I wouldn’t be surprised if you end up playing against Manchester United for Barcelona or Real Madrid in the next five, six, seven years’, because he was that good. And I’m not just saying that now that he’s made his England debut, I genuinely thought that a long time ago.

“He could play in the Premier League easily. He could play for [Manchester] City tomorrow. But then you put him in at Man United at the minute and he’s got to have the legs to go through the centre of midfield where there’s a massive gap, people run through the Man United midfield like you wouldn’t believe. Then it’s a really difficult game for him.”