In January, there were numerous rumours linking Dele with a temporary move away, with PSG and a reunion with Pochettino the most likely destination.
As we know, the move was not sanctioned by Tottenham, despite Mourinho and Dele both apparently being in favour of a change of scene for the player.
Dele has not truly managed to break back into the team since then and continues to warm the bench. Despite his abundance of talent, the Englishman is clearly a player in a rut
The most glaringly obvious case study here is Jesse Lingard, who was in a very similar position to Dele in January, frozen out at United, often struggling to even make the bench.
However, since his loan switch to West Ham in January, as much as it pains me to say, he has been in glorious form, taking the new surroundings as a fresh start and reigniting his career.
He’s older than Dele, and in my opinion, has a lot less raw talent, but he is currently knocking on the door for a spot at the Euros with England, which sadly seems lightyears away from Dele.
What might have happened if Dele was allowed to join PSG in January or, better still, another Premier League club?
MORE SPURS STORIES
Maybe he too would have got some confidence back, his swagger, his instincts, and perhaps he would now be pushing for an England spot.
Come the 21/22 season, he would be coming back to Hotspur Way the “old Dele”, raring to go – or, cynically, would have added a significant amount of value to a potential transfer fee if that’s what his future holds.
I am as frustrated as anyone for Dele, as a situation that could have made everyone winners, has sadly backfired and both the club and player are going to lose at least another six months of no movement.
Hopefully, this is a learning curve for the Spurs board, as whatever your opinions on ENIC whether its profit or glory they hold dearest, this decision offered neither.
Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
