Manchester United's imminent signing of Paul Pogba is going on with an unusual lack of competition from a certain Spanish club.
Real Madid are rarely shy to enter a bidding war for a high profile player and flex their muscles, but in backing away from a deal for the young Frenchman, supposedly after his performances at Euro 2016 failed to impress, Real Madrid were believed to have another target in mind.
Valencia midfielder Andre Gomes, who is currently on holiday after winning Euro 2016 with Portgual, was believed to be their man. While his own performances were also up and down in France, the Jorge Mendes client had been linked with both Manchester United and Chelsea prior to the tournament.
On Thursday night a deal was completed for Andre Gomes, but it was Barcelona who quietly and efficiently agreed terms with Valencia, seemingly from under the noses of their great rivals.
[BREAKING NEWS] Agreement with Valencia CF for André Gomes #AndreGomesFCB pic.twitter.com/n1cmdHd4ET
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 21, 2016
The player will both sign and be presented as a new @FCBarcelona player next week #AndreGomesFCB pic.twitter.com/w718CzbCfz
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 21, 2016
Much like Samuel Umtiti and Lucas Digne, the deal was completed with very little warning, which is impressive in football these days.
Real Madrid however will now need to move on and go for their next target, if they have one, and look unusually toothless in the transfer market based on what has been reported so far. Then again, they can afford to not sign Paul Pogba or Andre Gomes and have it not be a problem at all.
