90min

Luis Gomes: Things to Know About the Portuguese Midfielder

By Adam McGroarty

Manchester United reportedly have an agreement in place to sign Luis Gomes from Sporting CP
Manchester United reportedly have an agreement in place to sign Luis Gomes from Sporting CP / Alex Pantling/Getty Images
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Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Sporting CP wonderkid Luis Gomes, according to reports, and he'd follow Bruno Fernandes in making a recent move to the Red Devils from the Portuguese club.

The 16-year-old could also follow in the footsteps of Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined United from Sporting at a young age. Nani also made the switch to Old Trafford from the Portuguese capital.

According to the Mirror, Manchester United have agreed a £14m first-refusal option for the midfielder should he leave Sporting.

Here's what you should know about Gomes.

1. Tipped to Be the Next Luis Figo

It would be rather special if the 16-year-old could live up to the hype, but it's something we see so often with young footballers - constantly compared with their compatriots, which puts heaps of pressure on their shoulders.

Mind you, if Gomes does turn out to be anything like Figo, it would be some coup by United to snatch him from Sporting for just £14m.

The Portuguese legend played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid during his career, scoring 45 goals for the Catalan giants and 56 for Los Blancos.

2. Recently Signed His First Professional Deal

While it sounds rather bizarre when we're talking about £14m fees, Gomes only recently signed his first professional contract with Sporting. The youngster penned a five-year contract earlier in October.

While this means any transfer to Old Trafford may not happen anytime soon, letting Gomes find his feet in his own country would be an important step for his development.

3. He's Not in Sporting's First-Team Yet

Sporting drew 2-2 with FC Porto in their most recent fixture
Sporting drew 2-2 with FC Porto in their most recent fixture / Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images

Many players have struggled when arriving in the Premier League from a foreign division. The intensity and pace of the league is unrivalled, so it's always a gamble.

However, it's one thing bringing senior players in from another country, but Gomes is yet to even prove himself in Sporting's first-team. The midfielder's next target for his progression will likely be to get some first-team minutes under his belt for the club he has been at since the age of six.

Speaking to the club website after signing his new deal, Gomes said: "One of my dreams is to reach the main team, and I will work for that."

4. He's Also a Target for Atletico Madrid

Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid are also reportedly interested in the youngster
Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid are also reportedly interested in the youngster / Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

It's common for any young gem to have a host of suitors and that's no different for Gomes, who doesn't only have United keeping tabs on his progression.

The same report linking United with the youngster also suggests Atletico Madrid have previously made enquiries about Gomes, but the youngster chose to stay in Portugal.

Don't be surprised if other clubs join the race and make their interest known.