Érik Lamela Wants to Stay with Tottenham for One More Year
Érik Lamela has been steadily improving in each of the past three seasons since he joined Tottenham Hotspur during the summer of 2013. And now, the Argentine winger is committed to wearing Lilywhite for another year.
Érik Lamela’s future with Tottenham isn’t in doubt after saying he will stay for one more year and solidifying himself as Spurs’ starting right winger. But the way it was phrased sounded more temporarily, rather than permanent.
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That being said, the Argentine winger has never stated that he wants to leave, nor is he disgruntled for whatever reason. But, it wasn’t long ago — in fact it was last summer — when clubs were lining up to sign the then 23-year-old.
Olympique Marseille were close to completing a deal with Tottenham before negotiations broke down and Lamela remained despite having two difficult years. An injury-laden season in his first year and dealing with inconsistency last year.
After a 1-0 win over Sunderland in which Lamela provided an assist on Ryan Mason’s game-winning goal back in September, Mauricio Pochettino said that the Argentine winger would have a “key season”, in a make-or-break year.
And now that the season is down to it’s final fixture, Érik Lamela has stepped up well with 33 league appearances, four goals and nine assists. In all competitions, Lamela has made 43 appearances, scored 10 goals and assisted 10 times.
Clearly, he has become one of Tottenham’s most improved player this year.
Speaking to TyCSports.com, Érik Lamela discussed what he hopes to happen for next season by keeping everyone together and competing for some silverware.
“Honestly, I feel comfortable in Tottenham, I’d like to stay one more year here.” Lamela said (quotes via the London Evening Standard).
“We are a brave group, very competitive. Hopefully everyone can stay together so we can improve and win some [form of] title.”
“This year it was not possible but we were close and we will play the Champions League now,”
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“The balance is good. We are second, and a draw is enough for us to be the runner-up.”
“It’s very positive.”
“Before starting, we just wanted to finish well. We are a young team that will continue to work hard to win the title next year.”
For Spurs to continue having success in future seasons, a key part of that is to keep everyone, including Érik Lamela.
And according to Dan Kilpatrick, a Tottenham correspondent, for ESPN FC, Lamela is one of several players who are in talks for a contract extension. He currently has two years remaining on his deal after arriving three years ago.
“Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Érik Lamela says he is not thinking of leaving the club this summer.”
“Lamela has two years remaining on his current deal and is one of several players reportedly in talks with Spurs about a contract extension.”
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Seeing as how Mauricio Pochettino has had two successful seasons as manager and helped convince Dele Alli to join from MK Dons and Hugo Lloris to stay, then surely Érik Lamela will follow suit and remain a key figure in Spurs’ offense.
After all, with three creative attacking playmakers in Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Lamela (from left to right), another year in their respective positions will mean more improvement as a unit behind Harry Kane up top as the lone striker.