Media outlets around the globe are linking Portugal’s Andre Gomes with a move to the Premier League. The clubs reported to be interested in the player are Manchester United and Chelsea.
Both these clubs would be a big move for the Valencia player along with Barcelona and Juventus.
From the recent reports, it seems as though Manchester United are the most serious party for the player’s services.
The Portugal international is managed by Jorge Mendes, also Jose Mourinho’s agent, which makes Manchester United’s chances very strong in landing the player.
Dazzling and intelligent
The Valencia playmaker can dazzle with tricks, turns, and infuse the midfield with energy. He has the ability to play anywhere in the midfield, from the more deeper role where he shields the back four, to a more advanced position contributing in the attacking side of things.
His biggest strength is moving the ball with intelligence and speed and he is the deadliest and most effective with the ball at his feet.
An excellent passer and distributor, he contributes in attacks and does defensive work as well. Most importantly, he is confident in his abilities and it is this confidence that allows him to play cross-field passes with his weaker left foot fairly frequently, float passes to players in midfield, and get into goal scoring situations quite often.
His impressive technical ability and tactical awareness make him a delight to watch. He does not shy away from the physical side of the game, which will make him adjust to the Premier League quicker, if he does move.
He has improved a great deal since making the move from Benfica to Valencia; his first touch and decision making being the big improvements in his game.
This is encouraging for the future as Gomes’ work ethic, mentality and desire are admirable and worthy of respect.
The right fit
He will fit right in at Manchester United. The 20-time league champions are severely lacking in the midfield department.
Michael Carrick is ageing, Bastian Schweinsteiger is not in his prime and is only a good squad option, Morgan Schneiderlin is a great player but suffered a terrible first season so it is up to Mourinho to extract the best from the Frenchman and recover his confidence.
The Red Devils need a classy midfielder and Gomes could provide Mourinho that star midfield quality. He can be the creative lynchpin of the side and the levels he could reach in a few years are unimaginable.
Represented by Jorge Mendes, with a release clause of €50 million, he will cost United a lot of money but the hierarchy is likely to give Mourinho all the ammunition to make the club a force to be reckoned with once again.
Euro 2016 breakout
Gomes seems ready for a breakout couple of weeks in France. He has already enjoyed two great games against Iceland and Portugal and is expected to play a key role for the rest of Portugal’s campaign as well.
It doesn’t come as a surprise that he has so many suitors vying for his services.
He is currently with Portugal playing at the ongoing European championship and has decided to hold off all talks regarding his future till the end of the championship, which is the right thing to do.
Written by Aakriti Mehrotra
Follow Aakriti on Twitter @Aakriti1
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