After the sale of Gareth Bale in September 2013 some may have seen the arriving Erik Lamela as the heir to the Welshman’s throne. However, things have not gone smoothly for the Argentine, who he has failed to live up to the high expectations set for him.
Lamela joined from Roma for a then club-record fee of £25.8 million on August 30, 2013, just a day before his only real competition for the right-wing spot left.
The fee does not seem too ridiculous in today’s market but his record of 0.34 goals and assists per match say otherwise. For comparison, he had 0.5 goals and assists per game during his time at Roma.
His market value is also now nearly £12 million lower than the fee paid for him in 2013, so where has it all gone wrong for Erik?
Lamela’s Spur’s career has been riddled with injuries. He has missed 684 days through various problems over the years, which is a quarter of his time at Tottenham. It’s certain that injuries have kept him from reaching his potential but is there more to it?
Lamela has frequently shown his tempered attitude in a Spurs shirt, picking up 38 yellow cards during his time in England which is three more than his goal tally.
His attitude has been poor off the pitch at times too. Recently he was caught breaking covid-19 restrictions and speeding, reflecting poorly on himself and the club.
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Lamela has fierce competition for the right-wing spot these days as he comes up against Lucas Moura, Gareth Bale and Steven Bergwijn. Out of these four Lamela, has the second-highest XG per 90 in the Premier League) at 0.26 yet has not scored this season.
Tottenham desperately need a third goal scorer behind Kane and Son, but it is clear to see that Lamela is not going to take on that role.
Should Lamela leave, he would free up a vital foreign player spot, thus allowing Tottenham to improve the squad with a talented player from abroad. This is absolutely vital as Jose looks to improve the squad.
Lamela’s contract expires in 2022, meaning that Levy will want him gone before he leaves for nothing, making a move away this summer likely.
A transfer would also suit Erik himself, as a fresh start would allow him to try and regain form, secure regular game time, and make something of his career.
Lamela has been at Spurs for over seven years but it is now finally the time for him to leave Tottenham with his head held high.
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