Newcastle United will be looking at any possible free transfer opportunities they can take advantage of next year.
It is a market Newcastle United tried to use this summer, but endured mixed results.
They got off to a good start, with Lloyd Kelly arriving on a free transfer from Bournemouth. He has been reunited with Eddie Howe, and Kelly has enjoyed a solid start to his Newcastle career. He looks like an excellent addition to the squad, with his versatility already proving to be valuable.
However, the Magpies had less luck when they tried to sign Tosin Adarabioyo. Newcastle were confident they were going to sign Tosin, and his arrival would have resulted in the club landing two Premier League quality centre-backs on free transfers.
Alas, Tosin snubbed Newcastle’s offer and signed for Chelsea. That completely scuppered Newcastle’s summer transfer plans, and it meant they had to adjust the way their transfer budget was going to be allocated.
The big money signing was meant to be a winger, but the Tosin deal collapsing resulted in the Magpies pursuing a club record deal for Marc Guehi. And we all know how that pursuit went…
Angel Gomes could be available on a free transfer for Newcastle
Now the Magpies are looking at another player whose contract is expiring, with Newcastle linked with signing Angel Gomes.
The 24-year-old is in the final year of his contract at Lille, and is currently on course to leave the Ligue 1 club.
That could present Newcastle with an opportunity, as clubs queue up to sign a player whose reputation has gone up in recent weeks.
Gomes recently made his England debut, and was excellent on his first start for the Three Lions. He looked very comfortable in the England midfield during the win over Finland, and it is no surprise that that performance was followed by rumours of a move to Newcastle and various other top clubs.
How much Angel Gomes will look to earn if he leaves Lille in 2025
However, whichever club signs the ‘skilful‘ Gomes will have to dig deep into their pockets, despite the former Manchester United man potentially being available on a free transfer next year.
According to Give Me Sport, Gomes is keen to receive a huge pray rise if he lets his contract wind down and leaves Lille as a free agent. They report that he could potentially look to earn up to £150,000-a-week.
That would put him alongside Newcastle’s highest earners, with Bruno Guimaraes reportedly earning £160,000-a-week at St James’ Park.
Wages could put Newcastle off Gomes deal
Given the weekly fee that Gomes could be looking to earn from his next move, it could be that Newcastle United are put off a deal.
While Gomes is obviously very talented, it is unclear where he would fit in at St James’ Park. He has spent most of his career as an attacking midfielder, and has recently been deployed in a deeper role.
As it stands, Newcastle have Bruno, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley competing for places in midfield. If Gomes were to join that group, he would not be a guaranteed starter.
And with Newcastle’s transfer priorities lying elsewhere – they want to sign a centre-back, winger and a goalkeeper – it might be foolish of the club to commit so much money towards a central midfielder.
Interestingly, Give Me Sport add that while Newcastle are interested in Gomes, they are seen as outsiders in the race to secure his signature.
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