After 257 appearances spanning across eight years, Erik Lamela is expected to leave Tottenham in a swap deal with Sevilla for youngster Bryan Gil.
Lamela arrived at Tottenham in 2013 from Roma for £27 million. He is the last of the remaining seven players bought in 2013 to offset the outgoing Gareth Bale. Can you recall the seven players Spurs bought in the infamous failed attempt to cope with the loss of the Welshman?
Of the seven players (Paulinho, Christian Eriksen, Roberto Soldado, Nacer Chadli, Etienne Capoue, Vlad Chiriches and Lamela), only Eriksen and Lamela had a lasting, positive impact at Spurs.
Lamela has scored 37 goals while adding 47 helpers during his time in north London. The Argentine enjoyed some magnificent spells with Spurs, headlined by two outrageously audacious rabona goals, one of which coming in last season’s Premier League outing at the Emirates.
Here’s a look back at all of Lamela’s 37 goals for Spurs.
Those brilliant moments, however, were often overshadowed by lengthly spells of inconsistency and listlessness. He also endured his fair share of injury issues over the years. An inability to consistently reach his best level definitely muddies the way his eight years at Tottenham will be perceived by supporters.
While more goals were expected from a player with such an abundance of raw talent, Lamela certainly showcased his desire and commitment for the club, particularly in recent years. His guile and passion shone through in recent seasons, but ultimately Lamela’s offensive shortcomings prevented him from reaching his full potential.
It will still be sad to see Lamela leave, but Gil, the player coming the other way in the expected swap deal, has as much if not more potential than the Argenitne did upon arriving at Hotspur Way eight years ago.
How do you feel about Lamela’s imminent departure from north London?