Roberto De Zerbi has a clear plan for a player who failed to play a single minute in the seven Tottenham games the Italian has taken charge of so far.
The Tottenham hierarchy have admitted that the current squad lacks the right mix of experience and leadership, and that addressing that will be a priority this summer.
That is perhaps demonstrated by the fact that Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson are expected to be Spurs’ first two signings of the summer, with the pair set to bring plenty of experience to the North London club.
It has now emerged that the Lilywhites have formulated an interesting plan for a 19-year-old, who barely had a look-in last season.
Tottenham may loan out Souza next season
Souza made just two starts and four appearances in total for Tottenham after arriving from Santos during the January window.
The left-back did not play a single minute after De Zerbi took charge, but The Athletic say that that is not down to the Italian not rating the Brazilian.
In fact, the report describes the Tottenham boss as a ‘huge fan’ of Souza, who will turn 20 later this month.
The report suggests that the youngster’s chances of game time could be limited next season if Robertson joins to compete with Destiny Udogie for the left-back berth.
As a result, it is suggested that Tottenham may opt to send the young full-back out on loan so that he can get regular game time.
De Zerbi faces big decisions on three other Spurs youngsters
The Athletic point out that Mikey Moore, Will Lankshear and Ashley Phillips are all returning to Hotspur Way after impressing out on loan in the Championship and the Scottish Premiership.
De Zerbi will get his first look at the trio when pre-season training gets underway next month.
The website adds that the Spurs head coach and the club’s hierarchy will have to decide whether to integrate any of them into the first-team squad or if it would be better for the trio to have another spell out on loan.
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