Tottenham and the Saga of Moussa Sissoko

In perhaps the least surprising Tottenham news in weeks, the club are rumored to be parting ways with French international Moussa Sissoko as soon as possible.

Or, at least that’s the impression left after French football periodical L’Equipe (as quoted by 101greatgoals) indicated that Tottenham’s most expensive signing ever just drew a line in the sand.

That line divides two possibilities. The first, Sissoko leaves the club in the coming summer transfer window. The second, Sissoko stays with the club — but Mauricio Pochettino leaves.

Such appears to be the state of the relations between the Frenchman and Spurs’ manager. The pair’s relationship has deteriorated to the point that, at least from Sissoko’s perspective, they both cannot continue to occupy the same dressing room.

If this is as it seems, it would be a wholly believable conclusion to among the most embarrassing sagas in modern Premier League history.

Consider the facts. When Sissoko first arrived at Newcastle, it was reasonable to think that the club had just locked in one of the most promising players available. He enjoyed a great first season and seemed set to earn a huge pay day with a bigger club.

As time went on, however, Sissoko’s value began to shrink. The goals and assists didn’t come as frequently. Multiple matches would go by without any significant contribution. Though his efforts in 2015/16 suggested a slight comeback for the player, he could not stop his fade into anonymity.

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Then came Euro 2016. Short of options and desperate to liven up an at-times stale offense, France coach Dider Descahmps fielded Sissoko much more often than anyone predicted. And he played well — sometimes very well. France made it into the finals thanks in part of Sissoko’s efforts — though, again, he wasn’t exactly full of goals — and even if they lost out, his stock rose considerably.

After virtually every major tournament, one club makes moves for a player based exclusively on that extremely small sample size. Arsenal did it with Andrey Arshavin in 2010. Real Madrid did it with James Rodríguez in 2014. And Tottenham did it with Moussa Sissoko in 2016.

It isn’t that clear cut of a story though. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy tested the waters with several other players — including Sissoko’s teammate at Newcastle, Georginio Wjnaldum — but eventually ran out of options. In the last possible moment, he paid the £30 million necessary to pry Sissoko from Newcastle’s grasp.

That made Sissoko Spurs’ record signing, a fact that only worsened the optics around his already dim prospects. The fact was — and remains — that he is not the correct player for Pochettino’s system. He lacks the pace, concentration and ingenuity to be an effective member of the pressing game. Plus, with Érik Lamela and Mousa Dembélé already in the squad, Spurs definitely did not need another low scoring attacking midfielder.

Over time this impression bore itself out. He started a game here and there early on but never truly impressed. Now, he’s lucky if he gets ten minutes at the end of any given Premier League match. With only the FA Cup and Premier League left to play for, it’s unlikely Sissoko finds a way into the starting XI before May.

From a player whose ego was justifiably inflated by his own price tag, this situation must come as a blow. Someone, somewhere once thought very highly of him, and Pochettino is clearly standing between him and his potential. It wouldn’t be shocking if Sissoko did in fact not see himself remaining at the club while Pochettino is in charge.

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Barring some unforeseen development, Pochettino appears committed to the club for the long haul and vice versa. Which means, of course, that Sissoko will be sold as soon as a buyer can be convinced to pay some fraction of the amount Spurs paid back in August.

So will end one of the most frustrating and perplexing transfer stories in recent memory. With any luck both club and player will learn the appropriate lessons.