Nabil Bentaleb could leave Tottenham in the summer
Nabil Bentaleb could leave Tottenham in the summer
Match

Proven playmaker shares delight on Twitter after agreeing Tottenham transfer

Wayne Veysey
Wayne Veysey

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

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By Harry Sykes

Nabil Bentaleb has revealed that it is the right time for him to bring to an end his five-year association with Tottenham.

Spurs announced on their official Twitter account on Friday evening that they had reached an agreement with Schalke for the midfielder to join the Bundesliga club on a permanent basis.

Bentaleb, 22, subsequently took to social media to express his delight at securing a move following a successful loan spell in which he has proven himself in a new playmaker role.

The Algeria international claimed on his personal Twitter account he looked forward to "new beginnings" at Schalke and offered his "thanks to everyone at the club" for their faith placed in him.

Bentaleb said he had "great memories" of his five years at Tottenham but insisted that it was the right time to move on to pastures new.

Bentaleb joined Schalke last summer on a season-long loan but Sky Sports reported earlier in the month that the deal included a clause that he could move permanently for £16million if he played in 20 league matches for the club.

The Algerian reached that total in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Cologne and Spurs moved to confirm his exit after the landmark was triggered.

Bentaleb initially move to Tottenham in January 2012 after having a trial with fellow English side Birmingham.

He made his debut for the club in 2013 and went on to play in 66 matches for the north London side, establishing himself under ex-manager Tim Sherwood before Mauricio Pochettino made him a regular in central midfield in his first season at the club.

But Bentaleb slipped down the pecking order last season amid question marks about his attitude and played his last game for Spurs in the middle of last season.

His future now lies with Schalke, where he has provided five goals and five assists in 27 matches this season.

In other Tottenham news, Jermaine Jenas has labelled this former Spurs midfielder an absolute disgrace.

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