Tottenham Hotspur were keen on landing a winger who is about to swap Everton for Fiorentina back during Antonio Conte’s era in N17.
While clubs’ transfer pursuits often get leaked to the press these days, there are times when some transfer stories do not see the light of day.
It appears one such pursuit is Tottenham Hotspur’s attempt to sign a former Leeds United man, who eventually joined Everton in 2023.
Former Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani has now confirmed that he blocked the player’s sale to Spurs a few years ago.
Antonio Conte tried to bring former Leeds winger to Tottenham
‘According to reports, Jack Harrison is about to join Fiorentina from Everton within the next few days (BBC Sport), with La Viola hoping that the winger helps them steer clear of relegation.
It has now been revealed by former Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani, who sold the Yorkshire club in 2023, that both Spurs and Newcastle wanted Harrison in the past.
Speaking about the English winger, Radrizzani told Firenze Viola: “We’ve had several top-tier clubs interested in him for a long time. Newcastle were very close, but Tottenham, under Antonio Conte, also seriously considered him.
“For us, however, it was difficult to sacrifice him because he’s always been a useful player, capable of playing on both flanks, always available, and almost never injured. This is also a very important aspect: his athleticism and physical condition are solid, and that’s a really positive trait.”
Did Spurs dodge a bullet by missing out on Harrison?
One can certainly understand why Tottenham would have wanted Harrison as Conte played with wing-backs, and the former Leeds man could feature on either flank.
However, the 29-year-old’s performances have dropped off considerably over the last year and a half, and the fact that he is on his way to Fiorentina is proof of how much his stock has fallen.
In hindsight, it appears that Spurs may have dodged a bullet when Leeds blocked Harrison’s sale, as the Lilywhites may have had to pay a premium at the time for the wide-man.