It has been revealed that Manchester United and rivals Manchester City both failed to land Benfica starlet Andre Gomes after Valencia owner Peter Lim refused to sell the youngster. The Singaporian billionare bought Gomes’ economic rights for £11.8 million in January, and swiftly loaned him to his own side Valencia.
As with all third-party dealings, the price of securing the player’s signature becomes rapidly inflated. It is believed the transfer would have cost United in excess of 30 percent of the original fee.
The midfielder has performed for every level of International football for his country, Portugal, except for the senior side. Gomes netted 7 goals for Benfica in their impressive rampage to the league title last season. Gomes is expected to be a key player for Valencia over the course of the new campaign and will earn a regular spot in the Portuguese national side.
It has also been reported that Lim’s other Benfica acquisition Rodrigo was loaned to Valencia subject to similar issues regarding transfer interest as well.
By Ollie Carroll
Twitter: @Ollie_Carroll_
