Noel Whelan has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur could consider offloading Tanguy Ndombele this summer after the midfielder’s struggles over recent months.
There were plenty of reports last summer claiming that Ndombele was on his way out of North London after the midfielder had endured a difficult first season at the club, even falling out with Jose Mourinho.
The Frenchman started this campaign in excellent form and seemed to be starting to repay the faith Tottenham showed by paying £53.8m to snap him up from Lyon.
However, much like the rest of the Spurs side, his form has dipped considerably over the past couple of months.
Ndombele has started just one game since Ryan Mason took over the reigns from Mourinho and has subsequently missed out on the France squad for this summer’s European Championship.
Reports indicate that Real Madrid have made an approach for the 24-year-old ahead of the summer transfer window.
Whelan admitted that Spurs face a dilemma on whether to cash in on the midfielder now or persist with him in the hope that he comes good.
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The former Coventry City striker told Football Insider: “It was a slow start for him, he had issues with the manager. Going out in Covid and not doing what he was told.
“Also, not putting in the work rate that is expected and is needed of a player that costs a lot of money in the Premier League. I think he got to grips with it this season, absolutely.
“His turnaround and performances were a lot, lot better, a lot stronger and caught the eye a lot more. Real Madrid are an ageing side, they need legs in that department and all over the field.
“You look and it’s one of those conundrums that you come across every now and again. He has had one good season. Do you see what he’s got to offer next year, or do you take the opportunity to offload him?
“Maybe try and find somebody else that’s going to be a bit easier to deal with, possibly and get a bit more consistency from his performances. That’s what you’ve got to look at.”
Spurs Web Opinion
It is evident that Ndombele is one of the most gifted midfielders in the world at running with the ball and retaining possession in tight areas. However, the jury is still out on whether he has the stamina and the athleticism to shine in the Premier League.
Despite coming on as a late substitute in the 3-1 loss to Leeds, he still seemed extremely leggy and failed to track runners when the home side put together counter-attacks late in the game.
He also does not seem like a character who has the drive to keep improving (like a Hojbjerg for example) and so cashing in on him should not be out of the question.
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