Liverpool transfers: Why Reds want England STAR Man Utd let slip through their grasp

It was recently revealed that Liverpool scouted ex-Manchester United midfielder Angel Gomes during England’s 2-0 win over Finland at Wembley.

The 24-year-old, currently playing for Lille, has his contract expiring at the end of the 2024/25 season, and so could sign a pre-contract with a club outside of France in January. Arsenal and Tottenham are among the other clubs believed to be vying for his signature.

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Why do Liverpool want him?

The fact his contract is expiring would suit Liverpool’s current pattern under Richard Hughes of looking for 'opportunistic' moments in the transfer market. This led to the signing of Federico Chiesa being the only incoming for the summer window, with Giorgi Mamardashvili joining next summer, and a free transfer for a talented player could be what Hughes was waiting for.

It would be a smart signing, with the midfielder developing hugely since joining Lille on a free transfer in 2020. He is able to play at the base of the midfield, despite being 5ft 6in, and has become effective at controlling games for the French side from this position.

He tends to thrive when playing slightly further forward, with less defensive responsibility, where he can utilise his brilliant and diverse passing range, and can also play as an attacking midfielder.

His natural ability and tactical flexibility would also suit Liverpool’s current squad, according to a new report in TEAMtalk, and he would fit in well with Arne Slot’s style of play, which involves controlling the pitch and ball as much as possible.

Manchester United's Angel Gomes regret

He recently came off the bench in England’s win against Ireland, before making his full debut against Finland, in which he impressed, completing 116 passes across the 90 minutes. He was a key feature in Lee Carsley’s U21 team and so is sure to play more often for the senior team if he remains in charge.

Gomes has an estimated market value of €25 million according to Transfermarkt, and so getting him on a free transfer would be a risk-free and shrewd piece of business.

United will be hoping they do not end up regretting letting another young star leave the club, and they certainly will do if he returns to the Premier League to star for one of their major rivals.