Angel Gomes has rejected Tottenham Hotspur in favor of joining French side "Marseille", adding another chapter to the growing allure of Ligue 1 following Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League triumph.
"Agreement in principle between Angel Gomes and Olympique de Marseille for a three-year contract," – reported Fabrice Hawkins, revealing the 24-year-old's preference for the French club despite interest from Premier League sides.
The former Manchester United academy product, who currently plays for "Lille", apparently turned down approaches from both "Tottenham" and "West Ham" to make the switch within France's top flight. His decision comes at a time when the often-mocked "farmers league" is enjoying newfound respect.
Gomes left Old Trafford in 2020 when his contract expired, having made just 10 appearances for the first team. After a loan spell at Portuguese club Boavista, he established himself as a regular midfielder at "Lille".
Interestingly, he won't be the only former United youngster at the Stade Vélodrome. Mason Greenwood made the same journey last summer in a £26.6 million move and has since flourished, scoring 21 goals and providing five assists last season – numbers that nearly match Ballon d'Or favorite Ousmane Dembele.
The performances of Roberto De Zerbi's team and their Champions League qualification appear to have been key factors in Gomes' decision. By the way, his choice comes just weeks after "PSG" demolished "Inter Milan" 5-0 in the Champions League final, ending the tiresome "farmers league" jibes that have long plagued French football.
On their path to European glory, PSG eliminated three English clubs – "Liverpool", "Aston Villa", and "Arsenal". After defeating the Gunners in the semi-finals, PSG manager Luis Enrique even joked: "We are the league of farmers."
Is this the beginning of a power shift in European football? With English talents now choosing France over the Premier League, perhaps the landscape is indeed changing.
