Latest Tanguy Ndombele developments bode very well for Tottenham
By Gary Pearson
Finally some developments of note in the ongoing saga, as Lyon today signed midfielder Jean Lucas, paving a clear path for Tottenham to finally land Tanguy Ndombele.
Additionally, Ndombele publicly stated his desire to leave the French club. Ndombele already discussed his desire to join “big club Tottenham,” but today marked the first time the French international made clear his intentions to leave Lyon.
"Ligue 1 side’s president Jean-Michel Aulus confirmed Ndombele asked to leave the club, saying: “He is seeking a departure. Nothing is done but the door may be open.”"
Things are falling into place for Spurs, who have played their cards patiently, yet somewhat frustratingly, during the negotiation process. But Lyon’s latest move to sign Lucas, the 21-year-old Brazilian, is a solid indication of things to come.
Daniel Levy is still trying to lowball Lyon, a dangerous ploy that could yet prove effective. Then again, other major clubs are interested in Ndombele, so only time will tell if Levy’s tactics are as shrewd as they are effective.
If I was a betting man, which I’m not, I’d bank on Ndombele joining Tottenham in the next fortnight, such is the importance of today’s breaking developments. Ndobmele wants to learn under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino and believes intrinsically in Tottenham’s project. Obviously the guaranteed astronomical wage rise appeals to the young Frenchman too.
Regardless of the reasons, the writing is being etched, albeit painfully slowly, on the wall, which provides reasons for great optimism in Spurs camps worldwide.
Now all Levy needs to do is splash out and pay something close to market value for Lyon’s marquee asset. He wants to leave; Lyon’s president basically admits Ndombele is on his way out, and the French side has signed his replacement.
Next. Signing of Yago de Santiago barely whets whistle. dark
Sure, Lucas is nowhere near the finished article, but the Brazilian cost just over £7 million, almost exactly the same as what Lyon paid for Ndombele a year ago. Ndombele, if Spurs get their way, is worth at least £60 million.
What a difference a year can make.
If you’re interested in reading all the Ndombele developments, here’s HQ’s take, over the last five weeks, on the ongoing saga:
Spurs’ transfer target Ndombele
Tottenham battling Juventus for Ndombele
Tottenham’s chances of signing Ndombele increase
Tottenham make opening bid for Ndombele
Will Pochettino convince Ndombele to join Spurs?