Journalist thinks player will return to Spurs this summer unless there is a big change

Italian journalist Ciro Venerato has said that Napoli will not consider buying Tanguy Ndombele permanently from Tottenham unless the midfielder shows significant improvements over the coming months.

After Ndombele’s failed loan spell back at Lyon during the second half of last season, both the player and Spurs would have hoped to see things click for him in Naples, with the Serie A club having the option to make the deal permanent for around £30m (Football Insider).

However, things have not gone according to plan for the Frenchman in Italy so far as he has largely been a bit-part player for Luciano Spalletti’s side.

The 26-year-old’s task of breaking into Napoli’s starting eleven has not been made easy by the fact that the club have outperformed expectations significantly this season and currently sit 15 points clear at the top of the table.

Area Napoli reported last week that Ndombele would have to return to Tottenham in the summer as the Partenopei do not intend on buying him permanently.

Venerato has now revealed that while Napoli could change their minds regarding the on-loan Spurs man, the midfielder would have to finish the season strongly for that to be a possibility.

The journalist told 1 Station Radio (as relayed by Forza Azzurri): “Napoli are evaluating some players. 90% of the squad will stay. The remaining 10% could say goodbye, purely between economic reasons and personal career ambitions.

“If Ndombele doesn’t show a far better end of the season, I don’t believe he will be kept by the club.

“Even the fact that they are watching Frattesi makes me think. To date, therefore, I don’t think Napoli intend to keep the Frenchman. Naturally, should there be improvements, it’s not excluded that there are some evolutions (in the situation).”

Spurs Web Opinion

Perhaps Napoli might consider the £30m clause to be excessive but I suspect Tottenham would be open to lowering the price if the Serie A club want to negotiate for Ndombele.

The North London club’s priority will be to get the midfielder’s salary off their wage bill.