Assessing Angel Gomes' Options & Where He Should Go

It's astonishing to think Angel Gomes is still just 19 years of age, considering the fact that he's been around for so long now.

Gomes was once considered Manchester United's brightest academy prospect and even a potentially generational talent. The youngster became the first player born in the 2000s to appear in the Premier League when he made his first-team debut aged just 16 in May 2017.

However, Gomes' 13-year stay at United appears to be over, after he failed to agree a new deal with club. It is a sad ending for a player the Red Devils had such high hopes for, and someone the club - and fans - were looking forward to seeing turning out in the red of United for years to come.

With Gomes set to leave for free, we at 90min take a look at his options and where might be best for him to continue his development.

Barcelona

From the politics off the field to the tension between the players and the manager on it, Barcelona's problems have been well-documented in recent weeks.

The Catalan giants are said to be one of the clubs keen on landing Gomes' signature, and with no transfer fee involved, it is a deal that makes sense for Barça - both now and for the future. Then again, however, Gomes' decision to not put pen to paper on a reported £30,000 a week contract suggests wages may be an issue for Barça.

It is likely he will be limited to very few appearances in the near future if he were to join Barca, which wouldn't benefit him in any way.

Suitability Rating: 3/10

Paris Saint-Germain

It is the wage-playing time conundrum for Gomes as his entourage look to find the balance between a suitable contract and time on the pitch.

And quite frankly, PSG may well offer an enticing package, but a move to Paris could prove detrimental for his career. Talented youngster Tanguy Kouassi has already decided he will head out of the exit door and join Bayern Munich as he looks to further his development, and this may play some part in Gomes' thinking.

It is a move that wouldn't benefit Gomes a great deal in the short term.

Suitability Rating: 4/10

Monaco

Gomes is also attracting interest from fellow Ligue 1 side Monaco, a source has confirmed to 90min. A move to Monaco may well benefit him financially and potentially in terms of game time as well.

But considering the other interested parties, what makes Monaco a more enticing proposition than others? Not much, really.

Suitability Rating: 4/10

Chelsea

Chelsea have been linked with Gomes for a while now, and they appear to be the frontrunners. The Independent have reported that the Blues are now ready to offer the versatile player a 'lucrative' deal to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

As far as projects go, Chelsea could well be a very appealing move for Gomes. Frank Lampard has shown a willingness to trust in youth, and the west Londoners appear to be heading in the right direction. There is also, of course, the 'London appeal'.

But what would actually change for Gomes should he make the switch to Chelsea? Previous reports have suggested Lampard would be willing to give the youngster the game time he is looking for, but this seems unlikely, especially considering the high level of competition for places.

And should the Blues boss include Gomes in his plans in the first team, this could come at the expense of young prospects currently at the club. A chance to stay in the Premier League and play first team football may sound promising, but it isn't what Gomes needs right now. Or else, he may as well have stayed at United.

Suitability Rating: 5/10

Valencia

'Why Valencia?' I hear you ask. Well, the Independent report that agent Jorge Mendes, who represents Gomes’ godfather Nani, has close ties with the Spanish club and they have shown an interest in his services.

It could be an exciting move for Gomes, the chance to move to Spain and reignite his career in La Liga with a top team such as Valencia. While Los Che will have an appealing footballing project, a potential move would also see him taken out of the limelight and away from the pressure that has been placed on him in recent years.

But would Valencia be willing to give into his wage demands? Maybe not.

Suitability Rating: 6/10

Juventus

A source has confirmed to 90min that Juventus are among those interested in Gomes, and this may well excite fans as he would bring something different to the club. He has proven that he is more than capable technically to fit into a system such as the one Maurizio Sarri utilises, while his ability to play in a number of different attacking positions could make him a useful addition to the squad too.

Considering Gomes will be a free agent, why shouldn't Juventus go for him?

Suitability Rating: 7/10

Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich's strength in depth cannot be ignored. but the club's youth system is often not given the praise it rightfully deserves. A number of promising young talents such as Sarpreet Singh, Joshua Zirkzee and Oliver Batista Meier (all of whom were named among the substitutes for Bayern's last game) are all making waves in Bavaria.

90min has also learned Bayern are keen, and joining the German giants would represent something a little bit different for the youngster. Gomes wouldn't be given the first team football he is searching for right away, but he can be expected to be involved with the senior squad. Training with the likes of Thomas Muller, Gomes can develop his game before eventually being given the chance to shine.

Suitability Rating: 7/10

Benfica

Another club that Jorge Mendes has close ties with, and another club Gomes has been linked with is Benfica. Gomes himself, of course, has Portuguese blood in him, while his father Gil began his career at Benfica.

It may seem like a potentially strange move at first glance, especially considering the other interested parties, but in reality, it makes a lot of sense. Benfica are in need of attacking reinforcements, and Gomes' versatility could make him a valuable squad member.

Additionally, Gomes would be part of a squad challenging for trophies, which separates Benfica from a number of other interested clubs. A team with history that also competes at the highest level, the chance to play for this club should be enticing for Gomes.

Suitability Rating: 9/10

Borussia Dortmund

A move to Borussia Dortmund could suit all parties involved. Dortmund will likely be able to give Gomes a fair amount of first team game time, while the midfielder would also be operating at a high level.

Of course, the German giants provided Jadon Sancho with the chance to shine, and they could well do the same for Gomes. With Mario Gotze also leaving BVB, the club will be keen on a replacement and a move for Gomes would be low-risk purchase - but potentially very rewarding.

Gomes' style of play would suit Dortmund, and Germany could also be just the place for him to quietly rebuild his reputation.

Suitability Rating: 9/10

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