Tottenham signed Steed Malbranque from Fulham on transfer deadline day in 2006 and the midfielder went on to play two seasons at White Hart Lane before being sold to Sunderland.
While Malbranque didn’t have the pace or the flair of Aaron Lennon on the other flank, he was well-liked by many Spurs fans, particularly due to his hard work and commitment.
While the Frenchman certainly can’t be described as a failure for Spurs, particularly considering he joined for just £2 million (according to Football.London), it turns out that Spurs were aiming for some bigger names that summer.
Football.London have now revealed that Liverpool’s Harry Kewell and Atletico Madrid’s Martin Petrov were the club’s prefered targets in 2006.
Kewell was facing competition for a starting spot at Anfield after the arrivals of Jermaine Pennant and Craig Bellamy, and Tottenham were hoping to snap up the Australian international.
In the end, Spurs will be thankful that the move didn’t materialise as Kewell had several injury problems in the following seasons.
Meanwhile, Petrov stayed put at Atletico that summer but completed a move to Manchester City a year later.
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It is said that Tottenham only decided to settle for Malbranque after they knew that it wouldn’t be possible to sign either Kewell or Petrov.
Spurs Web Opinion
Petrov would have been a decent signing for us as he had a couple of brilliant seasons for Manchester City. However, Steed can hardly be criticised as he gave his all whenever he played and what he lacked in ability, he made up for with heart and desire.
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