Ex-Tottenham target impresses at Copa America

Colombia’s Wilmar Barrios was heavily linked with a move to both Spurs and Everton (AS Argentina) following his exploits in last year’s World Cup.

Barrios was said to be available for less than £14.5 million due to a release clause in his contract with Boca Juniors (Independent).

Neither Spurs or Everton completed a deal for Barrios and instead, the Colombian completed a surprise move to Russian side Zenit St. Petersburg in February of this year (Goal).

Barrios impressed for Colombia in during the World Cup as a combative central midfielder. Now, one year on he has earned even more plaudits for his national side after Colombia’s 2-0 win over Argentina in the Copa America on Saturday night.

The 25-year-old put in another dogged performance to help shut out Argentina’s supply to Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero. The midfielder was also successful with 84 per cent of his passes, winning three aerial duels and a further three interceptions.

Barrios was as industrial as ever in the middle of the park, and that begs the question of whether Spurs were right to pass up the opportunity to buy him last summer.

However, a move for Tanguy Ndombele will soon have some supporters ever regretting the missed opportunity to sign the former Boca man.

Spurs Web Opinion

With question marks surrounding our depth in midfield last season it is somewhat frustrating to see a potential transfer target go on to improve. With that being said, although Barrios has impressed again for Colombia, he hasn’t been a talking point since his move to Zenit.

Related Topics