Speaking to Football Insider, former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson expects Tanguy Ndombele to leave Tottenham on a loan-to-buy deal in the January transfer window.
The Lowdown: Ndombele’s Spurs relationship crumbling
A section of Tottenham fans booed club-record signing Ndombele as the player trudged off the pitch after being substituted in the side’s 3-1 victory over Morecambe in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Antonio Conte refused to comment on the Frenchman’s match display and antics following his substitution. This arises during talks of the midfielder potentially leaving the club in the current transfer window, after it was revealed (Sky Sports) that Spurs are open to offers.
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The Latest: Robinson claims Ndombele will leave
When asked for his opinion following that update from Sky, former Tottenham No.1 Robinson, 42, told Football Insider: “I don’t think he’s going to be in a Spurs shirt much longer.
“It’s a difficult one because of his wages though. They will not recoup the transfer fee they paid for him, no chance. They will have to take a loss on him but I’m sure Antonio Conte was thinking about that when he came in.
“Tottenham will not be able to recoup the £65million they paid for him but I don’t think they’ll make a huge loss on him.
“They need to get him off the books though because he’ll be on big wages. I think a loan with a view to a permanent move at the end of the season is the likeliest.”
The Verdict: Time to leave
Tottenham shattered their club record transfer fee when Ndombele arrived from Lyon in the summer of 2019 for £55 million. However, since then, his time at the north London club has been nothing short of a disappointment.
The midfielder has made just nine appearances in the Premier League this season, with three of these having come off the bench. It seems that the Frenchman is out of favour with Conte in particular, having played just 80 minutes in the league under the Italian boss.
Despite showing glimpses of exceptional talent, Ndombele has lacked the consistency to cut it in the Premier League. If he is indeed not in the manager’s plans, with his relationship with the fans also now soured, it may simply be best if Spurs are able to find a financially viable way of allowing him to leave immediately.