Because both in-demand stars, Jonathan David and Angel Gomes, are out of contract at Lille this summer, there is tendency amongst news outlets and pundits to lump them together in a Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez type transfer package.
The two offer very different options and it is highly likely that Jonathan David will head off to Barcelona, should they be able to afford him in the Summer. He has confirmed, to anyone prepared to read the quotes, that Barca is this dream club. It certainly isn’t West Ham!
Whilst the Hammers would love to sign him, suggesting that West Ham can lure the Canadian striker to London Stadium just because he is available on a ‘free’ is naive: The biggest clubs in the world are lining up to seduce the young man and Champions League football talks as much as a couple of hundred thousand a week.
Midfielder Angel Gomes, however, is a slightly different prospect.
Jacob Steinberg in today’s guardian.com is quick to recognise that Gomes isn’t a first team regular at Lille and so is unlikely to be lauded by the same, very top clubs – with the ensuing opportunity to sign him being much more of a realistic opening for Graham Potter’s Hammers: His article today entitled: “West Ham target Angel Gomes on summer free transfer deal” insists that the Hammers are in the mix for the midfielder:
“The 24-year-old has not been a regular this season and was an unused substitute when they [Lille] drew with Borussia Dortmund in the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday, but his availability is likely to catch the attention of several clubs.”
“Graham Potter quickly identified midfield as an area to improve after becoming West Ham’s head coach in January. He wants a No 6 who is capable of controlling possession and believes Gomes, who has four England caps, fits the bill”
Gomes will again be looking forward to impressing Tuchel ahead of England’s World Cup campaign next summer. Whilst Lopetegui was at the helm, West Ham were about as attractive as a damp dirty weekend in Dagenham.
The offer that was put to the player’s advisors in January was tepid and given short shrift. According to who you read – or listen to – a deal was within West Ham’s grasp in January but failed: Potters’ West Ham machine is certainly now a more attractive proposition for any young player: If Potter wants the midfielder then West Ham need to prove it with a decent, competitive bid to bring this potentially season-changing talent to East London.
If Gomes feels ‘wanted’ and believes Potter is the man to guarantee him game time at London Stadium and help him build a compelling pitch presence then there is no reason why West Ham shouldn’t have the ambition to attract his signature.
In essence, forget David, focus on Gomes.
Will Gomes feel wanted and guaranteed playing time buy Potter?
Is this another empty promise?
Perhaps he needs to speak to Guilherme to get reassurance.
Hey Matin , do you think Potter wants him ? If he does Sullivan should back him . I think Potter is a great manager , under appreciated, I can see why players like him ! The West Ham way is hard work , run , close down , work hard as a team and never give up , enjoy the football . . The players also have skill combine the two we have a great squad great manager . Believe in yourselves I see good things vomming , appy days , let’s beat the toon . Come on lads ,COYI ⚒
If he´s not a regular for a moderate team in an inferior league is he really worth pursuing?
His team, Lille are only on 41 points which is 20 behind the leaders.
well, at least that is not his fault 😁