Newcastle United watched on with envy as the 2024/25 Champions League kicked off on Tuesday night.
It was one year since Newcastle’s impressive 0-0 draw with AC Milan, as Eddie Howe’s side started their Champions League campaign by shutting out the Serie A giants at the San Siro. To make matters even more impressive, Sven Botman performed spectacularly without realising he had an ACL injury.
But they are just memories now, and the Magpies are not part of Europe’s elite competition this year. The hope is to get back, even if pundits like Jeff Stelling do not think Newcastle will get in the top four.
Night to forget for Newcastle United transfer target Angel Gomes
While Newcastle United were not in Champions League action on Tuesday night, one of their transfer targets was.
Newcastle have been linked with signing Angel Gomes from Lille, with the 24-year-old in the final year of his contract with the Ligue 1 side. That means he could be available for a bargain fee in January, or on a free transfer come the end of the season.
He is an exciting Toon target, especially after doing so well for England during the Nations League. Lee Carsley used Gomes in both of the Three Lions’ recent games, and the former Manchester United man was particularly impressive in the 2-0 win over Finland.
However, it was a different story for Gomes as his Champions League campaign kicked off.
He was named in Lille’s starting XI, as they took on Sporting CP away from home as part of the competition’s new format.
Sadly for Gomes, he did not even finish the first half. The midfielder was booked in the 21st minute for a push on former Wolves loanee Francisco Trincao, and was then given a second yellow less than 20 minutes later.
Just moments after Sporting had gone in front thanks to an excellent finish from Viktor Gyokeres, Gomes fouled the Sweden international.
Despite protests from Jonathan David, Gomes was given a second yellow card and became the first player to be sent off in this season’s Champions League.
Former Newcastle United player and targets also in action
It was a night to forget for Gomes, who appears to be on Newcastle’s radar ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
It will be interesting to note if any Toon officials had their eye on this game, as it was littered with players who have been linked with the Magpies in recent years.
Gyokeres, Ousmane Diomande and Jonathan David were all in action – three more players who have been rumoured Newcastle United targets over the past 12 months.
And there was also an appearance from a former Toon player, with Remy Cabella coming off the bench in the second half for Lille.
Cabella was a bit of a flop on Tyneside, spending one year at St James’ Park under Alan Pardew and then John Carver.
The Frenchman permanently left Newcastle in 2016 to join Marseille, and is competing in the Champions League at the age of 34-years-old.
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