From the end of the season onwards, Lille knew that signing André Gomes from Everton on a permanent deal after a successful loan was always going to be difficult.
That didn’t stop the Ligue 1 side from trying a few different ways of getting a deal done, but they eventually gave up and focused their attentions elsewhere, with the likes of Morgan Sanson and eventually Nabil Bentaleb targeted to bolster their midfield.
As for any chances of the Everton man returning to the north of France this summer, Lille’s president, Olivier Létang, made it clear that would not be possible, relayed by Le Petit Lillois.
In fact, he let it be known that they did try, but were eventually unsuccessful in their attempts to sign the Everton player.
He said: “André is a player with whom we stayed in touch. We knew the financial area was very complicated for us because André, and great for him, has a rather hefty contract, but he deserves it, with Everton. The conditions didn’t come together to allow him to continue the adventure with us.
“I think it will be very difficult. He was very happy here, was very important. He’s a wonderful player, humanly a top guy, but he also was on show, gathered interest. His club told themselves that he performed well and it’s possible to get a more important operation. Financially, it isn’t possible.”
