Former Manchester United midfielder Angel Gomes is reportedly ready to cut short his time at Olympique de Marseille, with a January transfer viewed as crucial to reigniting his fading hopes of representing England at the 2026 World Cup.
Tuchel's Stance on Squad Selection
England manager Thomas Tuchel has set a clear benchmark for players aspiring to make his squad for the upcoming tournament. In November, the German boss emphasised that consistent, high-level first-team football is a non-negotiable component for selection. "There is a component to it that it's about competition and performance and the door is always open for guys who perform on a regular and high level," Tuchel stated, using Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly as an example of a player who simply needs more minutes.
Gomes' Struggle for Minutes in France
The 25-year-old playmaker, who has four England caps earned under former interim boss Lee Carsley while at Lille, joined Marseille on a free transfer in the summer of 2025. The move was designed to maintain his Champions League involvement. However, under manager Roberto De Zerbi, Gomes has failed to cement a starting role.
His situation has become increasingly precarious; he was an unused substitute in Marseille's last two Ligue 1 matches, and all four of his Champions League appearances this season have come from the bench. This lack of game time has seen him fall out of the England picture entirely since Tuchel's permanent appointment.
January Move Deemed Essential
According to reports from L'Equipe, Gomes's representatives are now actively exploring a winter transfer. The primary motivation is to find a club where he can play regularly, thereby putting himself back in contention for the 2026 World Cup. He is not alone in this predicament at Marseille; fellow Englishman CJ Egan-Riley, the 22-year-old defender who joined from Burnley, is also considering a January exit after failing to start a match for over a month.
The potential departure of Gomes comes amid broader speculation about midfield movements in the Premier League. While Manchester United, Gomes's former club, have been linked with players like Ruben Neves, their lack of European football may limit urgent January business. There has also been talk regarding the future of young star Kobbie Mainoo, though any move would likely be a loan unless a substantial offer is made.
For Angel Gomes, the equation is now simple. With the World Cup on the horizon, the coming January transfer window represents a critical opportunity to secure the playing time his international ambitions demand.
