Football FanCast

Tottenham Hotspur will let Mathys Tel go back to Bayern Munich this summer if they can sign a highly-rated forward, according to a report this week, with Spurs holding a "concrete" interest heading into the first summer window on June 1.

Tottenham's option to buy Mathys Tel may be renegotiated

After a mixed first season at Spurs for Tel, with the Frenchman bagging just three goals and an assist in 20 total appearances so far, there are suggestions that chairman Daniel Levy will seek to bring his costs down.

The Lilywhites have an option to buy Tel permanently for around £42 million, which was negotiated when Spurs signed the versatile attacker on loan in January, but Levy apparently wants to renegotiate the fee needed to make him a Tottenham player next term.

GiveMeSport and some reports from Germany indicate that Spurs will enter discussions with Bayern over a fresh deal for Tel, with the former claiming Ange Postecoglou's side wish to bring his price down to somewhere around the £30 million mark.

The 20-year-old has displayed flashes of real promise during his time in N17, but there are arguments that Tel needs to improve his consistency and output in front of goal, so it will be intriguing to see whether Levy can whittle down Bayern's asking price or move on to other targets.

Interestingly, credible reports this week have started linking Tottenham with another Bayern star - £242,000-per-week winger Leroy Sane - who is out of contract this summer as things stand.

Super-agent Pini Zahavi was pictured meeting with Bayern chiefs again over the prospect of a new deal, and the lengthy ongoing saga surrounding whether he'll remain has motivated Premier League sides to consider him.

The 29-year-old has reportedly been offered to many clubs in England (Graeme Bailey), while some German media sources claim that Tottenham are currently the strongest contender to sign Sane on a Bosman deal (Sport Bild).

Tottenham unlikely to sign Mathys Tel if they seal Leroy Sane deal

The likelihood of them sealing a deal for the "dangerous" ex-Man City forward will have a knock-on effect when it comes to Tel's future, according to Bundesliga insider Christian Falk.

Falk tells FC Bayern that, if Tottenham manage to sign Sane, they're "unlikely" to pursue a permanent deal for Tel.

Spurs are said to hold a "concrete" interest in the former, and his agent Zahavi has a "very close" relationship with Levy, who is actively looking to find a suitable landing spot for his client if they cannot agree fresh terms with Bayern.

While Vincent Kompany's side are attempting to restructure Sane's initial contract offer to better suit the German, there remains a strong possibility that he chooses a move to London, especially considering his family currently reside in the English capital.

While they haven't always been the most successful team over the last 15 years or so, Tottenham Hotspur have been blessed with plenty of incredible players.

The likes of Gareth Bale, Harry Kane, Mouse Dembélé, Son Heung-min, and more have all dazzled fans and Premier League rivals alike with their sensational talent and ability.

However, for all the unreal stars who have pulled on the famous white shirt, there have been more than a few flops over the years.

One such disappointment was Roberto Soldado, and unfortunately, it looks like the club has their modern-day version of the Spaniard in the squad.

Soldado's Spurs career

In the summer of 2013, around a month before the then-world-record sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid, Tottenham were looking for a player who could come in and help replace some of the goals they'd end up losing with the Welshman.

So, they looked to La Liga and decided to sign Valencia's prolific striker Soldado for around £26m - a club record - which seemed like a brilliant piece of business at the time.

After all, across his final two campaigns with the Spanish giants, the Valencia-born poacher managed to score 57 goals and provide 11 assists in just 97 appearances, which worked out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.42 games.

Unfortunately, such red-hot form did not follow him to North London. In fact, he seemed to lose almost all of his goalscoring abilities upon arriving in England, as in his first season, he managed a rather average return of 11 goals and five assists in 36 games.

Things got even worse in his second year with the club, as in 40 appearances across all competitions, the previously prolific number nine could muster up just five goals and six assists, which came out to an uninspiring average of a goal involvement every 3.63 games.

With Soldado an undeniable flop by this point, Tottenham agreed to sell him to Villarreal two years after signing him, only to make a similar mistake less than a decade later.

Spurs' new Soldado

Unfortunately for Spurs, they have made more than their fair share of bad signings since Soldado left the club, from Tanguy Ndombele to Vincent Janssen.

However, when it comes to someone who could be described as the club's modern-day version of the Spaniard, only one player comes to mind: Richarlison.

The Brazilian joined the North Londoners for a massive fee when Antonio Conte oversaw his £60m move from Everton in the summer of 2022.

Moreover, while the former Watford star was an effective attacker at his previous side, racking up 53 goals and 15 assists for the Toffees, he has failed to establish himself in the Lilywhites' first team - just like the former Valencia star.

For example, in his first season at the club, the 28-year-old racked up a disastrously poor tally of three goals and four assists in 35 appearances, which came out to an average of a goal involvement every five games.

The following campaign was certainly better as he scored 12 goals and provided four assists in 31 appearances, but then this season was once again rather underwhelming, as he scored five goals and provided two assists in 24 games.

The Nova Venécia-attacker is an incredibly "frustrating" player, per Ally McCoist, because, like Soldado before him, he's undeniably talented, but he's just not been able to show it enough since moving to the capital almost three years ago.

Ultimately, while he played his part in the Europa League triumph last week, it might be in everyone's best interest if Richarlison is sold this summer.

This summer simply has to be a seismic one for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou and his squad turned what could have been an utterly disastrous campaign into an iconic one with their Europa League triumph in Bilbao last week, and now it's Daniel Levy and Co's turn to deliver.

With Champions League football secured, the Lilywhites board should be able to push the boat out that bit more in the transfer window and bring in the right stars to ensure their Premier League campaign next year can be just as memorable as their European one this year.

Fortunately, that seems to be happening, as recent reports have linked the North Londoners with one of the most exciting players on the continent and someone who could send Son Heung-min packing.

Tottenham transfer news

Before getting to the young superstar in question, it's worth looking at some of the other impressive players who have been linked with Spurs in recent weeks and months, such as Marc Guehi and Leroy Sané.

The former could cost up to £50m, and while that is a lot of money, he'd bring plenty of experience at the domestic and international level while also potentially being the perfect replacement for Cristian Romero should the World Cup finally move on this summer.

Sané, on the other hand, would be completely free thanks to his contract expiring in June, and while he's nearer to the end than the start of his career, he'd undoubtedly add something to the Lilywhites attack, as in just 45 games this season he has scored 13 goals and provided six assists.

However, another more exciting major target for Tottenham has now entered the picture: Xavi Simons.

According to a recent report from ESPN, Spurs are interested in the RB Leipzig star, although they are certainly not the only ones.

Other stories from earlier this month have also credited the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United with an interest in the Flying Dutchman, who could cost around £67m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Simons' incredible ability and potential, it's one well worth fighting for, especially as he could be the perfect Son upgrade.

How Simons compares to Son

So, the first thing to say is that one of Simons' biggest strengths is that he can play off the right or in attacking midfield with relative ease, but considering Brennan Johnson has been in fine form in the former and James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski occupy the latter, it seems likely that he'd come in as a left-wing option.

Therefore, one of his primary competitors for game time, and the man he'd ideally be the long-term heir to, is Son, so who comes out on top when we compare them?

Well, when it comes to their raw output, it's the former Pairs Saint-Germain gem, with 11 goals and eight assists in just 33 first-team appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.73 games.

In contrast, the former Bayer Leverkusen star has scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists in 46 appearances for the North Londoners this season, which comes out to a goal involvement every other game.

Okay, what about their underlying numbers from this year? Which winger comes out on top when we take a look under the hood?

Unfortunately for the Chuncheon-born icon, this is another battle he loses, as in most relevant metrics, bar a few here and there, the 22-year-old "game-changing signing," as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, comes out comfortably ahead.

These metrics include, but are not limited to, non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes, goals per shot and shot on target, passes into the final third and penalty area, expected assists, tackles won, interceptions, blocks, clearances, successful take-ons, aerial duels won and more, all per 90.

Finally, the Amsterdam-born "superstar," as dubbed by Mattinson, is a decade younger than the captain, so there is every chance that he'll continue to get better and better in the coming campaigns, which is a scary thought indeed.

Ultimately, Son has been an incredible player for Spurs over the years, but Simons looks to be better than him in practically every way, so Levy and Co should be doing all they can to sign him this summer.

One club are willing to sell their star midfielder to Tottenham Hotspur this summer and plan to replace him with Sunderland ace Jobe Bellingham, according to an intriguing report this week.

Tottenham target midfielder after 2024/2025 injury crisis

Ange Postecoglou was left desperately short of options in numerous areas throughout 2024/2025, which undoubtedly played a key role in their lowly 17th-placed finish and record number of Premier League defeats.

Injuries threatened to dampen their Europa League final success as well, particularly in midfield, with Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison both forced to sit out of their eventual 1-0 win over Man United in Bilbao.

Star midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has suffered fairly frequent lay-offs over the last two campaigns as well, and the South American's presence is always missed when unavailable.

Postecoglou or any new manager is also facing the looming threat of AFCON midway through 2025/2026, with both Pape Sarr (Senegal) and Yves Bissouma (Mali) set to compete at the tournament in Morocco.

The Lilywhites face being left very short in the middle through a combination of possible injuries and international obligations, leaving little surprise that chairman Daniel Levy reportedly has his eyes on new options.

Lille midfielder Angel Gomes is a reported target for Tottenham, with the England international recently confirming that he's set to quit his club this summer after his contract expires.

"After four unforgettable years at LOSC Lille, it's time for me to say goodbye," he said.

"This club has been more than just a team - it's been a family, a home, and a place that has shaped me both on and off the pitch. Like any journey, there were ups and downs, highs and lows, but I'm truly grateful to my team-mates and the fans for sticking with me throughout."

Gomes' availability at zero transfer cost makes him a prime candidate to reinforce Spurs' midfield, but he's by no means their only target.

Eintracht Frankfurt prepared to sell Larsson to Tottenham

According to GiveMeSport, Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Larsson is on their radar as well, following his very productive campaign with the Bundesliga side.

GMS report that Eintracht are "prepared" to sell Larsson to Tottenham, if Levy pays the required £50 million to secure his signature, and Dino Toppmoller's side are targeting Sunderland's Bellingham as a replacement for the 20-year-old.

However, while the door is described as open for Spurs to move ahead with negotiations, the £50m asking price could still prove to be a sticking point, despite the riches acquired from qualifying for next season's Champions League.

The Sweden international could be considered an elite midfield technician, having registered an 87.4% passing accuracy in the Bundesliga this season (WhoScored), and he's even been compared to Balon d'Or winner Rodri by some.

Tottenham Hotspur face the very real prospect of losing a key member of their squad when the summer window reopens, despite their Europa League triumph last week, with an elite club set to open imminent talks over his signature.

Tottenham preparing for summer with Ange Postecoglou future uncertain

The main topic at N17 right now is manager Ange Postecoglou and his long-term future.

The Australian guided his side to a first European trophy since 1984, ending their 17-year wait for any major trophy in the process and securing a spot in the Champions League for next season - which comes as an almighty transfer boost for the Lilywhites.

However, Postecoglou's domestic campaign told an entirely different story.

The 59-year-old oversaw Tottenham's largest number of Premier League defeats in a single season (22), with the north Londoners finishing just one place above the relegation zone.

The joyous celebrations and emotions that come with the end of Tottenham's trophy drought have given Levy some serious thinking to do, with Spurs chiefs currently '50/50' about sacking Postecoglou, according to some reports.

A decision must be made soon, as this summer's first mini-transfer window opens in just three days.

Tottenham have been handed a significant financial windfall from their qualification from the Champions League, not to mention more pull in the transfer market overall, with Spurs suddenly a more appealing destination for out-of-contract Bayern Munich star Leroy Sané (Sport Bild).

There is a consensus within the club that they need to bring more experienced players in to bolster their young squad (Sami Mokbel), and while their Europa League glory will help in that aspect, there is still a very real possibility that they lose some imperative stars as well.

Atletico Madrid to open imminent talks for Cristian Romero

According to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, Tottenham defender Cristian Romero remains high on the agenda of Atletico Madrid heading into June 1.

The Argentine played a crucial role in helping to deliver Spurs their Europa winners' medal, being crowned the tournament's Player of the Season, all while putting in a Man of the Match display against United in the final.

However, Spanish media sources believe Romero still has every intention of leaving Tottenham this summer, despite their memorable night in Bilbao, following other previous reports that the £165,000-per-week centre-back is keen to quit the club for Atletico (Marca).

Postecoglou's side value him at around £60 million, and won't sell for any lower than £44 million (Marca), even if the La Liga side wish to negotiate an agreeable fee.

Following these reports, Thomas has claimed that Atletico could open talks for Romero as early as this week, with Diego Simeone's side competing in next month's Club World Cup and potentially wanting to get business done early.

Tottenham Hotspur are now seen as the favourites to sign a highly-rated forward, despite his agent's talks with London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.

Daniel Levy gifted Spurs transfer boost after Europa League triumph

Spurs' triumph in the Europa League final last week stands to seriously benefit the Lilywhites in far more ways than ending their long wait for silverware.

While Ange Postecoglou fulfilled his promise of 'always' winning silverware during his second season in charge, subsequently ending Spurs' 17-year wait for a major trophy, chairman Daniel Levy will also have a much easier task when it comes to attracting the club's top transfer targets.

The north Londoners are reportedly set to receive £38 million in prize money from winning the Europa League, and will earn at least £15.7 million from qualifying for the Champions League, even if they lose every game and go out in the group phase (Sky Sports).

The boost is clear from a financial perspective, but Spurs' place in the Champions League draw next term now suddenly makes the club a far more attractive landing spot for big-name players.

As reliably reported, Tottenham are aiming to sign more experienced players this summer (BBC), and their European status makes this objective all the more possible.

This is especially true when it comes to Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane, who is out of contract beyond June 30, with Sky Sports reporting earlier this week that Postecoglou's side have now been offered his services.

The 29-year-old is a proven attacking star at the highest level and possesses great Premier League experience from his time at Man City.

Since departing Eastlands for Bavaria, he's racked up 61 goals and 55 assists in 220 appearances at Bayern, with 27 of those goal contributions coming in the Champions League.

Some may even suggest he is exactly the calibre of player needed to bolster Spurs' inexperienced squad.

Tottenham favourites to sign Leroy Sane ahead of Chelsea and Arsenal

Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with a move for Sane within the past few months, but Tottenham's Europa League win has now catapulted them into pole position.

That is according to Sport Bild, who report that Tottenham are ahead of both Chelsea and Arsenal in the race for Sane, despite the latter two sides holding talks with his agent, Pini Zahavi.

Discussions over a new deal for Sane have stalled recently, thanks in part to the £242,000-per-week winger appointing Zahavi, but the representative travelled to Munich this week for another meeting with Bayern regarding the player's future.

For this reason, we advise an err of caution when it comes to Sane. There is reason to believe this flirting with Premier League sides could simply be a ploy to encourage improved terms from Bayern, and Levy won't want to be embroiled in a dramatic transfer saga.

This summer feels like Tottenham Hotspur's most important for a very long time.

While the club endured a torrid Premier League campaign, Ange Postecoglou's side did the unthinkable on the continent and won the Europa League.

With Champions League football now secured, Daniel Levy and Co have the chance to genuinely back the manager by bringing in a number of top-quality players in the coming months.

However, on top of getting their incomings right, the North Londoners need to nail their outgoings, which means moving on a fan favourite before the end of his time at the club goes down a similar path as Mousa Dembélé's did.

Dembélé's Spurs career

In the summer of 2012, Spurs decided to spend around £15m on a midfielder from Fulham by the name of Dembélé, and over the next six and a half years, he'd go on to become one of the very best players in the Premier League.

The Belgian was renowned for his silky technique and utterly ridiculous ability to never lose the ball, regardless of the opposition or the pressure he was facing.

It might sound like hyperbole, but you don't have to take our word for it, as his former teammates couldn't praise him enough, with Kyle Walker describing him as "the best player I've ever seen play football" and Eric Dier claiming "he's a monster and he's got ballerina feet at the same time."

In all, the midfield "genius," as former boss Mauricio Pochettino labelled him, made 249 appearances for the club, in which he scored ten goals and provided ten assists, but in his later seasons in North London, he began to be plagued by injury, with reports even claiming he admitted that the physical demands of the league were becoming too dear.

For example, even though he only spent half of the 18/19 campaign at the club before moving to the Chinese Super League, the Antwerpen-born star missed a staggering 22 games through injury, and the season before that, it was nine.

In short, there is a strong argument that Dembélé should have left Tottenham in the summer of 2018, as his final six months at the club didn't do his status as a great any good, and the same argument could be made for someone in the current squad.

The Spurs star who should leave this summer

So, while there are a number of players who should probably be sold or moved on this summer, the one we are talking about might have a genuine shout for being one of the most popular players in the club's modern history: Son Heung-min.

Now, before the pitchforks come out, we are not trying to disparage the South Korean superstar, as, without a shadow of a doubt, he's now secured himself the status of a club legend, if not a legend of the Premier League in general.

Moreover, he's the first club captain to lift a major honour for the Lilywhites in 17 years and the first to lead the club to a European title in two generations.

Yet, that, in part, is why he should leave the club this summer, as he'd be departing on the highest of highs and having achieved something genuinely remarkable.

Furthermore, while he's not been terrible this year, there is no denying the fact that he simply isn't as devastatingly effective as he once was.

Now, that's not his fault, as, based on research by The Athletic, wide players hit their peak at 26 years old and see a steep decline in their ability to beat defenders at 30 years old.

In other words, with the "incredible" international, as dubbed by Postecoglou, set to turn 33 in a couple of months, he's just a victim of time.

We can also see this decline in the data, as, according to FBref, he was in the top 25% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League for successful take-ons in the 19/20 season but has dropped into the bottom 42% this season.

Moreover, like Dembélé before him, injuries seem to be more of a problem, as across the last three seasons, he has missed 34 games, whereas across the three seasons before that, he missed just 14 games.

Ultimately, Son is an icon for Spurs and the Premier League as a whole, but to ensure he doesn't leave the club on a downer, he should move on this summer, basking in the glory of European success.

What once looked like it could be quite a miserable summer for Tottenham Hotspur is now one full of exciting transfer-related possibilities.

Being one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League, the Lilywhites will always be able to attract top talent.

Still, following their Europa League triumph, they now have the added lure of Champions League football and the money that goes with it.

This already seems to be helping their case as well, as, based on recent reports, the North Londoners might soon have a player who's won comparisons to Bukayo Saka.

Tottenham winger search

Before we get to the star in question, it's worth looking over some of the other talented wingers linked with Spurs in recent weeks and months, such as Eberechi Eze and Rayan Cherki.

The former has spent plenty of time in the middle of the park this season but is more than capable of playing out wide, and with 25 goal involvements in 43 games this term, he'd be more than worth his £68m release clause.

Likewise, at a reported £19m, Cherki would be a steal, as in just 44 appearances for Lyon this season, he has scored 12 goals and provided 20 assists.

However, the North Londoners might be able to get an even better deal in the coming weeks.

According to a recent report from Sky Sports News' Kaveh Solhekol and Michael Bridge, Spurs have been offered the chance to sign Bayern Munich star Leroy Sané.

The report has revealed that in light of the club's place in next season's UCL, they have become a far more attractive destination for the German international, who'll be available for free in a month's time.

It might not be the most exciting transfer possible, but Sané is a proven winger at the highest level and has even won comparisons to a player who's terrorised Tottenham in recent years: Saka.

How Sané compares to Saka

So before getting to some of the other reasons why Spurs should be looking to bring Sané in on a free this summer, it's important to address this comparison to Saka and where it comes from.

In this case, it comes from FBref, which compared players in similar positions at last summer's European Championships and concluded that the Arsenal star was the third most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Bayern ace in the entire competition.

It's much easier to see how this conclusion was reached by looking at some of the underlying metrics in which they rank closely, including but not limited to expected assists, progressive passes, passing accuracy, shot and goal-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Moreover, aside from the significant statistical overlap between the two, they are also both mainly left-footed right-wingers who have benefited tremendously from the coaching of Mikel Arteta at different points in their careers.

With that said, why else should the North Londoners go out of their way to bring the former Manchester City star to the club this summer?

Well, firstly, even as his minutes have been somewhat reduced at Bayern this season, the "world-class" winger, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has remained a genuine attacking threat, living up to Pep Guardiola's billing that he is one of "the best in the world playing out wide."

For example, in 45 appearances, totalling just 2377 minutes, the 29-year-old dynamo has scored 13 goals and provided six assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 2.36 games, or more crucially, every 125.10 minutes.

Finally, the Essen-born monster is a natural winner; he lifted two Premier Leagues, two League Cups and one FA Cup at the Eithad, and then in Bavaria, he has won four Bundesliga, the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.

Ultimately, even if he was going to cost a modest fee, signing Sané would be the smart move to make this summer, so the fact he's free makes bringing him to Tottenham a no-brainer - especially as he could be the club's own Saka.

Tottenham Hotspur could sign a "unique" and "exciting" forward at a bargain price this summer as his contract expires in December, with the player himself privately considering a move to north London.

Tottenham eye free agents with significant names available

The free agent market could still be a fruitful talent pool for Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy, even if they're set for a significant financial windfall after their Champions League qualification.

Some prestigious names, and players who are also proven at the top level, are up for grabs at zero transfer cost, with the Lilywhites said to be expressing an interest in some of them ahead of their contracts expiring.

According to some reports in France, Tottenham have held talks with the representatives of Lille star Jonathan David, with the Canada international set to become one of the biggest bargain deals of this summer after nearly five years of free-scoring for the club.

"I wanted to tell you myself that after so many years at the club, it’s time to say goodbye," said David in an emotional goodbye post on social media.

"I’ve had five wonderful seasons here. I know that it hasn’t always been easy but I hope that with my goals and celebrations, that I’ve managed to bring you some joy."

Tottenham are also said to be one of the main contenders for Lille midfielder Angel Gomes, who will also depart Bruno Genesio's side on a free transfer, so Levy and technical director Johan Lange could seemingly raid the Ligue 1 outfit for talent.

The England midfielder would provide Ange Postecoglou, or any new manager, with a solid technician and alternative to the likes of Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray.

Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane is also a reported option for Tottenham, following botched new deal talks with the Bavarians.

Roony Bardghji "prepared" to join Tottenham this summer

While not a free agent this summer, but out of contract at the end of the year, FC Copenhagen starlet Roony Bardghji could still be available for a very meagre fee of around £10 million.

That is according to GiveMeSport, who also state Bardghji is privately indicating that he's prepared to join Tottenham this summer as a viable Premier League destination.

The 19-year-old burst into the spotlight with his heroics against Man United in the Champions League, scoring a stunning winner against the Red Devils in a 4-3 group stage victory back in November 2023.

The Swede has had injury problems since then, but his reputation as a rising star has never left Bardghji's side.

Called one of the most "exciting" talents in Europe by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Danish journalist Nicklas Degn likened his playing style to that of Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah, all the while stating he's destined for a big move to England.

"He will go to a great Premier League club," said Degn.

"He would suit a team that dominates the ball, like Manchester City, or Liverpool because he has very similar characteristics to Mohamed Salah.

"When Copenhagen have to come up with something brilliant or unlock a team, it is Roony they look to. He has this unique talent."

Given his cheap price tag, this seems like a very tempting, low-risk move for Levy.

The season may be over, and the fans may still be basking in the glory of Europa League success, but there is still plenty of work for the Tottenham Hotspur board to do in the coming months.

The summer transfer window is set to open in a matter of days, and with Champions League football now secure, Daniel Levy and Co must do everything they can to bring in the best players to support Ange Postecoglou and his squad.

However, it's not all about incomings, as the club now have a golden opportunity to offload a number of players who simply aren't good enough.

Specifically, Levy and Co should look to sell someone who's in real danger of becoming the club's new Tanguy Ndombele.

Ndombele's Spurs career

Back in the summer of 2019, Spurs were crying out for some midfield reinforcements, and so the club did something quite out of character and smashed their transfer record to bring in Ndombele for around £63m.

There was plenty of excitement around the move at the time, as the Frenchman was coming off a stellar campaign with Lyon, and several prominent journalists were even comparing him to the simply sensational Mousa Dembélé - yes, seriously.

Unfortunately, aside from the good performance here and there, the Longjumeau-born ace never got anywhere near the level that was expected of him, so much so that after just two and a half years, he was sent back to Lyon on a short-term loan.

After that, he spent a season with Napoli and then another with Galatasary, finally leaving N17 after his contract was terminated by mutual consent, with 91 Tottenham appearances to his name, in which he scored ten goals and provided nine assists.

With his fee, lack of game time and poor performances all taken into account, it's not hard to see why journalist Paul Brown described Ndombele as "one of the worst signings Spurs have ever made."

Unfortunately, the club now have another midfielder who could be in a similar conversation, unless they sell him this summer, that is.

The Spurs player who must be sold

Now, while a number of squad members should be sold this summer, the player we are talking about is Yves Bissouma.

Like Ndombele before him, there was quite a bit of excitement around the Mali international's transfer to Spurs back in 2022, with content creator George Benson describing the deal as "an absolutely brilliant signing."

However, instead of getting the unreal midfield destroyer who was sensational for Brighton & Hove Albion, the North Londoners ended up with a player who has had more questionable performances than good ones.

For example, while he was undeniably excellent in the Europa League final, he was terrible against his old club on Sunday, earning himself a 4/10 match rating from Alasdair Gold, who rather charitably described him as 'clumsy.'

It was a similar story away to Fulham earlier in the season when Gold gave him 3/10 and wrote that 'his use of the ball was dreadful.'

Go back another few months to December, and he put in such a poor display at home to Chelsea - in which he gave away a penalty - that Jamie Carragher slammed him for being "absolutely ridiculous."

Finally, on top of being unable to string together a number of good performances, the 28-year-old has a sketchy fitness record at best, which has seen him miss 25 games for club and country since moving to N17.

Ultimately, it's in Spurs' best interest to say thanks for the performance in the final and sell Bissouma this summer before another season of dismal displays turns him into the modern Ndombele.