The immediate futures of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United could be dictated by which of the two teams comes out on top in the Europa League final.
Considering Tottenham and United are placed 17th and 16th respectively in the Premier League, winning a European trophy could give both clubs a financial boost if they qualify for the Champions League.
Ange Postecoglou could be sacked even if he emerges triumphant but regardless, the former Celtic boss’ motivation will be to deliver on his famous promise of winning silverware in his second season.
Ruben Amorim rates Tottenham as a side and while he will be wary of the threat they pose, the Portuguese tactician will be desperate to win the competition and prove to United fans that he is the right man for the job.
Tottenham and Man United target Angel Gomes confirms Lille exit
But for both clubs, how they fare in the summer window is even more essential and one player who has already caught their eyes is Angel Gomes.
Gomes could join either Tottenham or Manchester United in the summer.
Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images
Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images
The good news for both clubs is that the England international has now confirmed on Instagram that he will leave LOSC Lille at the end of the season on a free transfer rather than signing a new contract: “After four unforgettable years at LOSC Lille, it’s time for me to say goodbye. This club has been more than just a team — it’s been a family, a home, and a place that has shaped me both on and off the pitch.”
“Like any journey, there were ups and downs, highs and lows, but I’m truly grateful to my teammates and the fans for sticking with me throughout.”
Gomes, dubbed a “magician” by Jonathan Panzo concluded: “I’m proud of what we achieved together and thankful for every moment. To the fans — thank you for your amazing support and for believing in me. I will forever be grateful. I always gave everything I had for the badge and for all of you. Lille will always have a special place in my heart. Merci et à bientôt (Thank you and see you soon in French).”
Who out of Tottenham and Man United is likelier to sign Gomes
Former Lille boss Paulo Fonseca told BBC Sport just how incredible the 24-year-old is, naming him as the “most intelligent player” at his disposal in 2023: “Angel is maybe the most intelligent player I have in my team,” he says. “He understands faster than the others everything about the game, he loves the game, he loves to learn and he is a player with big skills, big technique.
“He is a player who under pressure it is not easy to steal the ball off him and who discovers the space so easily. He is young, he has a big talent. I believe with the right coach, with the right project, with the right game for him, he can have a possibility to have a big step in his career.”
Despite being a Manchester United academy graduate, Tottenham are the frontrunners to sign Gomes.
With Atletico Madrid eyeing Rodrigo Bentancur, perhaps the Englishman could well be the replacement for the Uruguayan if he decides to join Diego Simeone’s side.
However, Manchester United could back themselves to re-sign Gomes if they win the Europa League.
But as things stand, Spurs look like the favourites.