Randal Kolo Muani has admitted that his mind was not fully focused on Tottenham Hotspur during his disappointing loan spell in North London, with the striker now beginning a new chapter at Juventus.
Several deals over the last few years have failed to work out for Tottenham, but Randal Kolo Muani is certainly one of the more disappointing ones.
Few expected the France international to arrive in North London, but he surprisingly did, on deadline day last summer after Paris Saint-Germain made it clear that opportunities would be limited for him under Luis Enrique.
The 27-year-old struggled badly during his time at Tottenham, scoring just once in 30 Premier League appearances. But his European form was considerably better, though, as he finished as Spurs’ top scorer in the Champions League with 4 goals and 2 assists.
A permanent deal was therefore never expected to be a serious possibility this summer, despite a few reports suggesting otherwise. And he has now been announced as Juventus’ newest signing, having already spent the second half of the 24/25 season on loan there.
Randal Kolo Muani explains what went wrong at Tottenham
Speaking to Tuttosport shortly after being confirmed as a Juventus player, Kolo Muani was asked what had gone wrong during his spell at Tottenham.
He admitted that several things contributed to his struggles, but also revealed that his mind was already elsewhere as he wanted to return to Juventus.
“There were several things that didn’t work. For me, it was something more personal. I think my mind was a bit elsewhere: I wanted to return to Juventus.
“It’s also an episode in a player’s career: not every season can be positive, we can say that. For me, it was a year in which I learned something: I had injuries, my first injuries, but luckily I was able to recover from all of them.
“I think it’s due to all these things, but now it’s a new championship, it’s a new chapter for me. So I think it’s a new version of me, let’s say.”
Randal Kolo Muani could soon be reunited with Spurs teammate
Kolo Muani could soon find himself reunited with a former Tottenham teammate in Turin, with Guglielmo Vicario fully expected to leave North London this summer.
The Italian goalkeeper has been linked with Juventus for much of the window and is reportedly keen on a move to the Serie A giants.
Personal terms with the player have even been agreed, although Juventus are yet to reach an agreement with Tottenham over a transfer fee.
The latest issue is Juventus’ preferred deal structure, with the Serie A side wanting to take Vicario on loan without an obligation to buy, but Tottenham are not currently prepared to accept those terms.
That does not necessarily mean the door is completely closed, though, with both clubs still having time to negotiate a permanent agreement later this month.