Report: Marseille beat Premier League duo to Ligue 1 midfield talent | OneFootball

Angel Gomes Close to Marseille Move Despite Tottenham Interest

Olympique de Marseille are on the brink of securing a significant early addition to their summer recruitment, with Angel Gomes having agreed in principle to a three-year deal at the Stade Vélodrome. The 24-year-old midfielder is set to leave Lille on a free transfer, and barring any late hitches, he is expected to sign a contract running until 2028.

The agreement with Gomes comes at a time when OM’s hierarchy, led by Pablo Longoria and sporting director Mehdi Benatia, are looking to move swiftly in the market following a second-place finish in Ligue 1. Marseille have secured qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League and are keen to build momentum under new head coach Roberto De Zerbi.

While some details remain to be resolved, sources close to the negotiations confirm that both parties are optimistic about finalising the move in the coming days. Tottenham and West Ham had been monitoring Gomes’ situation, but Marseille’s early approach appears to have given them the upper hand.

Gomes fits De Zerbi’s tactical vision

Since joining Lille from Manchester United in 2020, Gomes has developed into one of the most technically gifted midfielders in Ligue 1. His ability to play between the lines and operate in deeper roles has not gone unnoticed, particularly by De Zerbi, whose tactical system places a premium on midfield intelligence and control.

“Angel Gomes had quickly been identified by Marseille’s management as one of the transfer window’s priorities,” reported RMC Sport in May. “His profile and technical ease perfectly match Roberto De Zerbi’s wishes to play in front of the defence.”

Despite a difficult end to the 2024–25 campaign at Lille—largely due to minor injuries and contract-related uncertainties—Gomes still made 20 appearances across all competitions. His limited game time was attributed in part to his decision not to renew his deal at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, which led to a gradual reduction in his playing minutes under Bruno Génésio.

Tottenham’s interest not enough to sway Gomes

Gomes’ impending departure from Lille attracted attention across Europe, including from Tottenham, who saw the midfielder as a potential asset amid their own rebuilding process. However, it appears that the lure of playing under De Zerbi and returning to the Champions League proved decisive.

Negotiations between OM and Gomes’ representatives reportedly began months ago, giving Marseille a head start on rival suitors. Those early discussions now seem to be bearing fruit, with Gomes keen to commit his future to a club with clear European ambitions.

“I can’t wait to play in the European Cup at the Vélodrome,” Adrien Rabiot said earlier this week, underlining the growing pull of OM’s project. That same draw has evidently influenced Gomes’ decision to remain in France rather than pursue a Premier League return.

Familiar face for Ligue 1 fans

Gomes, who came through the youth system at Manchester United alongside Mason Greenwood, arrived at Lille in 2020 and quickly became a staple in their midfield setup. Under Paulo Fonseca and later Génésio, he earned plaudits for his versatility, ball progression, and work ethic.

While his form dipped during the final months at Lille, few in Ligue 1 doubt his ability to make an immediate impact in Marseille colours. His familiarity with the league, combined with the opportunity to work under De Zerbi, could see Gomes re-establish himself as one of the competition’s standout midfielders.

Barring any unexpected developments, the deal is expected to be finalised shortly—offering OM a head start in a transfer window that promises to be fiercely competitive.