Sevilla are Considering a January Move for Tottenham Center-back Federico Fazio
At the time of Federico Fazio’s arrival to Tottenham Hotspur, Mauricio Pochettino and Daniel Levy felt like they were getting a good center-back to help bolster the team’s defense on August 26, 2014.
At 6’5″ the Argentine defender would be perfect against aerial duels as a defender to stop long balls from coming in. On the other side of the pitch, Fazio’s tall frame would allow him to be a target man on set pieces. In the end? Both of these things didn’t happen after the then-27-year-old joined Tottenham in an £8 million transfer when Spurs met Federico Fazio’s release clause.
After nearly 18 months since moving from La Liga to the Premier League, Federico Fazio has only appeared in 33 games in all competitions which is already a bad investment. There was a chance for the Argentinian to leave this past summer transfer window but no deals were finalized to Tottenham’s liking.
RELATED: Who Should Spurs Target to Replace Fazio?
Daniel Levy, a known shrewd negotiator to some and a smart businessman to others, most likely wanted to get an equal amount back (£8 million) or slightly more. But never less than what was originally paid for — unless the player in question is a headache and needs to be released as soon as possible.
So with the January transfer window nearing closer, within a month once November is over, Sevilla is considering a move for Federico Fazio according to IBTimes.
For obvious reasons, if teams are interested in taking players off of your hands — and wage bill — you should listen. Especially if it’s a player who currently has no future in the manager’s plans. This season, Mauricio Pochettino has favored using the same starting eleven in almost every single game in all competitions to maintain consistency and chemistry. It’s a smart move to make, but it has one major flaw and that’s not getting enough rest during a congested schedule.
When Pochettino opted to go with a weakened starting lineup against Arsenal in the Capital One Cup third round, Federico Fazio was given the opportunity to finally play after being handed minutes during Spurs’ pre-season games. After 90 minutes, a 2-1 north London derby defeat and an uninspiring game by Tottenham overall — especially at defense with Fazio involved in two Arsenal goals — the Argentine defender has yet to play in another game since then.
To say that the 28-year-old has struggled to make an impact since becoming a regular starter for Sevilla (197 appearances, 14 goals and 1 assist) while also winning three major trophies, the biggest being the Europa League during the 2013-14 season, is an understatement. As a Tottenham player, Federico Fazio has appeared in only 33 games (20 games in the Premier League) with no goals and one assist.
The Argentine international started the 2014-15 Premier League season off to a slow start, only making one appearance in 10 games. From November 9 to January 10, Fazio would start 11 straight games and then once again manage one appearance in 10 games. At the very least, he was able to close out the season with seven more starts to hopefully make it look like he could be a starter for next year.
More from Hotspur HQ
- Storybook ending after difficult period for Tottenahm’s Richarlison
- Tottenham comeback showcased invaluable intangible Ange has cultivated
- Tottenham player ratings in 2-1 comeback win over Sheffield United
- Tottenham projected starting 11 for Sheffield United
- Tottenham’s Richarlison says he’s going to seek psychological help
That hasn’t been the case this season and it most likely won’t be any longer if Sevilla are willing to bring back Federico Fazio, and if Fazio is willing to return back to Spain. Whatever the case was in why the Argentine center-back couldn’t do well in his short time with Spurs is unknown.
Despite looking bad on certain games, Mauricio Pochettino continued to rely on him whether it was partially due to veteran experience and leadership or because the center-back position as a whole was awful.
But if Pochettino was a bit more adamant of giving Federico Fazio a few more games, like in the Europa League, Spurs wouldn’t have necessarily wasted £8 million in only a year-and-a-half. Regardless though, if rumors are true, a January move for all parties involved (Tottenham, Fazio and Sevilla) could be finalized if Daniel Levy agrees to the amount of money he’ll receive back. Which might not be much to begin with.
Next: Tottenham Links: Toby Alderweireld Frustrated after Spurs concede a Late Goal
Until then, Fazio will continue to just sit on the bench and be Tottenham’s fourth-choice option at center-back while Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen continue to add more minutes to their season tally. Federico Fazio shouldn’t play because he’s good. But he should play to give Alderweireld and/or Vertonghen rest when needed.