Manchester United Transfer News: Major Andre Gomes Blow Amid Juventus Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly poised to miss out on the signing of Valencia star Andre Gomes, who is said to be close to moving to Juventus. 

According to Corriere dello Sport (h/t Geoff Sweet of the Sun), the 22-year-old has agreed to move to the Italian champions, who will now look to agree to a fee with Valencia.

As stated by Sweet, Gomes was strongly linked with a switch to Old Trafford, with Jose Mourinho—tipped to take over as manager from Louis van Gaal—said to be an admirer.

If there was sincere interest in the player from a United perspective, it’d be galling to miss out on him. Here is a look at why Gomes is so coveted:

Midfield is certainly an area in which the Red Devils seem keen to strengthen. The club’s interest in Renato Sanches was well documented before the 18-year-old agreed to join Bayern Munich instead of the Old Trafford club from Benfica, per BBC Sport.

Football journalist Tom McDermott thinks United’s dallying in the transfer window may cost them again here: 

Interest in Gomes would be understandable. The Portugal international is a player who is a natural with the ball at his feet. His control when dribbling, awareness in tight spaces and ability to produce moments of magic have made plenty take note of his efforts at Valencia. 

While his versatility—Gomes has played across the midfield this season for Los Che—means he could potentially do a job in a plethora of different roles for any possible suitors, there are some doubts about whether he’d be the right fit for English football. Physicality, for example, is not one of Gomes’ main attributes. 

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Creativity is, though, which is something United have lacked at times this term. As noted by Paul Hirst of the Times, finding the back of the net was a big issue for United at the start of the campaign: 

There would be clear merits to this deal, as Gomes would bring a different kind of threat to United in the final third.

Still, if the Portuguese does end up at Juventus, it’s not a player too many Red Devils supporters will lament missing out on for long.

According to Sweet, Gomes is valued at £40 million following two fine seasons in La Liga, a staggering amount for a player who still has a lot to learn.

Juventus could eventually land him for a smaller sum, although it’s clear he would be a costly addition. United may feel they can find better value for their money elsewhere. 

A player who can conjure moments of inspiration will no doubt be on United's radar this summer, as the team have been too easy to stifle this term.

Gomes doesn’t seem like the right fit for the club at the moment, though, and given United have a lot of players currently battling for spots in central midfield—the Valencia man’s best position—they should target a different kind of creator.