Tottenham are right to hold out for a lower fee on Sessegnon transfer

Tottenham are the lead horse in the pursuit of Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon, but the two clubs remain about £20 million apart in their valuation of the teenager. 

Fulham remain resolute on the matter, requesting about £45 million for their wunderkind. In all fairness, that’s what Sessegnon would have sold for at the close of the 2017-18 season, when he almost singlehandedly propelled the West London side into the Premier League.

While he’s still only 19 years old, Sessegnon endured a somewhat underwhelming first Premier League campaign, which few fault the teenager for. He was part of a Championship-calibre side, inferior in almost every area on the pitch. While he wasn’t culpable for Fulham’s eventual Premier League demise, the youngster didn’t quite live up to his current £45 million billing.

Daniel Levy is right to stick to his guns on this one, as Fulham are mad if they think they’re going to elicit a £45 million fee for the 19-year-old. The teenager has boundless potential, but potential alone doesn’t constitute such a swollen transfer fee. Fulham had no intention of selling their marquee player when they were promoted to the Premier League, and for good reason. But, by holding out, they lost some of their financial leverage, as Sessegnon’s market value decreased over the course of the 2018-19 season, despite his tender age.

Levy is justified on holding out on this one, as the impetus to sell Sessegnon is squarely on Fulham’s shoulders. Sessegnon has made it clear that his future does not belong at Fulham, so the club would be wise to cut their losses and sell him now. Otherwise they’ll have a disgruntled teenager in the midst, one who will do everything in his power to leave Craven Cottage. Forcing him to stay would be even more detrimental to the club’s well being. Fulham would be well served to cash in now.

That leaves Levy in a strong bargaining position.

Sure, other clubs are interested in Sessegnon too, but what club is willing to shell out £45 million on him? If another club is willing to pay £45 million, they would have already done so. Holding out for a lower transfer fee is Levy’s speciality, which leaves Tottenham in good stead on this particular negotiation.

The Daily Mail says Tottenham are confident of signing Sessegnon soon.

You can rest assured that if Spurs do land Sessegnon, it won’t be for more than £30 – £35 million, an amount most Spurs supporters would be willing to part ways with for such a promising talent.