Former Manchester United man looking to leave Marseille in January

It is no surprise that Manchester United’s academy has produced countless technically gifted midfielders over the past decades.

Spotted at a remarkably young age, the attacking midfielder joined United’s academy from Reading FC at just six years old and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the most talked-about prospects at Carrington.

His senior breakthrough came in May 2017, when he became the youngest player to represent Manchester United in the Premier League, aged 16 years and 263 days, under José Mourinho.

Despite the promise, opportunities were limited, and he made 10 senior appearances for United across all competitions without scoring, as competition in midfield and tactical demands restricted his pathway into regular first-team football.

In 2020, with his contract expiring and game time uncertain, he chose to leave Old Trafford, joining Lille OSC on a free transfer in search of consistent senior football and a clearer development route.

That decision proved pivotal, as he gradually established himself in Ligue 1, growing into a creative reference point in midfield and earning his first senior England caps while at Lille.

Following the expiry of his Lille contract, Angel Gomes became one of the most eye-catching free agents on the market, leading to his move to Olympique de Marseille in the summer of 2024.

Marseille did not sign him as a prospect but as a player entering his prime years, capable of operating as a No.8 or No.10, and adding technical control between the lines.

Since arriving at the Stade Vélodrome, Gomes has featured regularly in Ligue 1, though his role has fluctuated, with strong individual performances offset by rotation in midfield and limited starts in European competition.

Those performances—flashes of creativity, intelligent movement, and composure in advanced areas—have ensured he remains firmly in the conversation, even as questions continue to surround his long-term role and future direction.

Life at the Stade Vélodrome, however, has proven more nuanced than first imagined.

Adjusting to Roberto De Zerbi’s highly structured positional play, combined with the physical tempo of Marseille’s midfield battles, has been a gradual process, and Gomes has yet to establish himself as an undisputed starter.

He has not started a UEFA Champions League fixture so far. Recent weeks have seen De Zerbi favour the stability of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg alongside Matt O’Riley in a double pivot.

With the FIFA World Cup in 2026 looming and competition for England places intense, Gomes’ camp is believed to be open to reassessing his situation in January should his responsibilities remain limited, according to Get Football.

The player himself has never hidden his priorities, previously stating: “I’d rather be called up by England. Representing the Three Lions remains a big goal for me.”