A former Manchester United player has reportedly turned down Tottenham Hotspur in a bold decision that adds extra weight to the value gained from Paris Saint Germain's Champions League triumph.
Ligue 1 has long been labelled a 'farmers league', due to its perceived lack of quality. But after French giants PSG demolished Inter Milan 5-0 in the UEFA Champions League final to become European champions for the first time, those opinions may be changing.
And it appears that Angel Gomes, a Manchester United academy product, has since rejected Tottenham to join Olympique Marseille, in the latest boost to France's domestic league.
Last summer, Mason Greenwood also joined Marseille, when he left Manchester United for £26.6million. And now another former United youngster looks set to make the move to the south of France, according to Alex Crook.
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He wrote: "Angel Gomes has rejected #THFC to join Marseille. Also held talks with #WHUFC."
The update followed a report by Fabrice Hawkins, who said that the 24-year-old had agreed to join Marseille.
"EXCL Agreement in principle between Angel Gomes and Olympique de Marseille for a three-year contract," he posted.
"The English international is a free agent and OM aim to finalise his arrival this week. Also tracked by Tottenham and West Ham, Gomes prefers Marseille.
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"The performances of the Phocéen team managed by De Zerbi, along with their qualification for the Champions League, have won over Angel Gomes.
Why is Gomes joining a team in the 'farmers league'?
Gomes is already familiar with the French league, as he currently plays for Lille.
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He joined the French side in 2020 when he left Manchester United following the expiry of his contract, having made 10 appearances for the first team.
The England international was immediately loaned out to Portuguese side Boavista, before he returned to become a regular in Lille's midfield.
And he has likely been encouraged to join Marseille by the form of his former United teammate, Greenwood.
The 23-year-old scored 21 goals and registered five assists last season - the same number of goals and just one assist behind Ousmane Dembele, who is the strong favourite to win the Ballon d'Or.
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Just how strong is Ligue 1?
On their way to winning the Champions League, PSG knocked out English champions Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal.
After their 3-1 aggregate win over Arsenal in the semi-finals Arsenal, PSG's manager Luis Enrique laughed off the 'farmers league' label.
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"We are the league of farmers," he joked.
"But sometimes, yeah it's nice. I think now we are enjoying not only the result but also the compliments of everybody speaking about our team."
Topics: Football, Angel Gomes, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Champions League, Ligue 1, Football News, Transfer News, Transfers, Man Utd, Premier League
James Taylor