Roberto De Zerbi has emerged as the ‘biggest backer’ of one Tottenham starlet who fans have rarely seen play since his arrival.
Tottenham Hotspur have been hailed by their fans for the way they have gone about player sales so far this summer transfer window.
Spurs have been efficient, demanding a premium for most of their young academy stars, which has left supporters very excited.
The latest player set to be sold is Ashley Phillips, who is about to complete a £20 million move from Tottenham to Middlesbrough despite having made just one senior appearance for Spurs.
Tottenham make Souza decision after Roberto De Zerbi stance emerges
Still, there could well be more sales this summer for Tottenham, with several of their players continuing to attract significant interest.
Souza is one such player, with Spurs Web revealing earlier this month that FC Porto were looking to push ahead with talks to sign the full-back.
The Brazil international only secured a move to Spurs during the winter transfer window and has since made two Premier League appearances for Tottenham.
However, a new report from Eduardo Burgos has now revealed that there has been a last-minute change in Spurs’ plans for Souza.
It is understood that the full-back is now expected to stay at Tottenham this season. Roberto De Zerbi is believed to be Souza’s biggest supporter, with Burgos stating that the Spurs head coach has complete faith in the Brazilian to at least serve as a game-changer.
Porto were keen on signing Souza, having submitted two official bids as well as a loan offer.
Souza can provide valuable depth for Spurs
Spurs‘ change of heart is not entirely surprising given their full-back depth heading into the new season.
Souza is naturally a left-back and is expected to provide competition for Andy Robertson, Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence.
Robertson remains a veteran player, while Udogie has fitness concerns. Spence, on the other hand, could be shifted to the right to compete with Pedro Porro instead.
Given Robertson’s age and Udogie’s fitness, it only makes sense to keep Souza around as emergency full-back cover.