West Ham
Mick Brown
Wed 19 March 2025 7:00, UK
West Ham scouts have been in France to watch Lille star Angel Gomes this season as they line up a potential summer transfer.
That is according to the Hammers’ former senior scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected at his former club, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 24-year-old’s availability has made him one of their top targets.
A new midfielder has emerged as one of Graham Potter’s priorities this summer and plans are being put in place behind the scenes to agree a deal.
However, the potential of signing the England international for free has put a number of clubs on alert as Football Insider revealed Tottenham also want to sign Gomes.
Man United had also been linked to Gomes, but sources say there are no plans to bring their former academy star back to Old Trafford in a major boost to West Ham’s chances.
Brown explained that a return to the Premier League is very much on the cards, and the midfielder would welcome a move back to England.
West Ham
West Ham are plotting a move to sign Lille star Angel Gomes. (Credit: Imago)
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West Ham plot swoop to sign Angel Gomes on a free transfer
Football Insider revealed on 11 March that West Ham have moved quickly for Gomes‘ signature as they look to steal a march on the likes of Tottenham.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that the midfielder’s availability on a free transfer had put West Ham on red alert.
“Angel Gomes’ future will be very interesting,” he told Football Insider.
“Everybody tells me what a cracking lad he is and how well thought-of he is in the game.
“He fitted in seamlessly when he came into the England squad, did everything he was asked to do and looked very impressive doing it.
“He was able to slot into that midfield and keep the ball moving, finding angles and spaces, and that’s a great asset for any player to have.
“West Ham have been in need of a new midfielder for a long time.
“The way Gomes plays, I think, suits the way Graham Potter wants to play and keep the ball.
“I think there are some concerns about how he’d perform in a combative game when things are against you.
“That has been the concern since he left Man United, and he went abroad to improve his game in what is a less demanding league than the Premier League.
“But now there’s talk about him coming back and I think he’d welcome that opportunity.
“He’s available on a free which will put plenty of clubs on alert – not just West Ham.
“But their scouts have been watching him in France and they’ll know whether those concerns I spoke about are going to be an issue for them.
“If they decide it’s not a problem, they’ll be in the mix for him I’m sure.”
Graham Potter on the touchline as West Ham boss
Graham Potter is planning to add to his West Ham squad. (Credit: Imago)
Graham Potter lines up Kyle Walker-Peters signing
Gomes’ availability on a free transfer has played a key role in West Ham’s interest, and he is not the only free agent they will look to sign this summer.
Brown told Football Insider on 11 March that West Ham want to sign Kyle Walker-Peters from Southampton, whose contract is set to expire in June.
Potter’s side are lining up the offer of a contract for when the 27-year-old becomes a free agent as they plan to swoop ahead of other sides for his signature.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Southampton are prepared for an exodus of players this summer as a result of their impending relegation.
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