Tottenham expert shares real reason for two 11th-hour deals collapsing
Tottenham struggled to convince players to join them in the January transfer window because of the eleventh-hour timing of their offers.
That is according to former Spurs and Man United scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected at his former clubs, as he exclusively told Football Insider that late-window moves are difficult as it gives minimal time for players and clubs to decide.
This comes after AC Milan star Fikayo Tomori and Chelsea’s Axel Disasi both turned down the opportunity to join Spurs on loan.
Meanwhile, reports claimed it took a one-to-one chat with Ange Postecoglou to convince Mathys Tel of the move to North London.
The boss has since clarified that Tel did not initially “reject” the move, but wanted to be certain he was making the right decision.
However, an attempted late flurry of signings from Daniel Levy led to more concern growing amongst supporters given the timing of their offers.
On top of their difficulties with players Tottenham also saw a big-money move to sign Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi turned down by the Eagles.
Tottenham insider explains late January transfer failures
Brown explained that Tottenham’s league position and recent recruitment history have also played a part in the players’ decisions as concerns will have been raised.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, explained that a number of clubs have struggled to get late moves over the line.
“The players will look at the situation Tottenham are in,” he told Football Insider.
“Their league position will be a concern because at this stage it’s unlikely they’ll be competing in Europe next season.
“Tottenham’s recruitment over the last few years could also be called into question.
“But to be honest, this could be said about quite a few clubs. It’s not just a Tottenham thing.
“When you make a move for a player late in the window, it’s always difficult.
“Clubs don’t have time to plan and bring in a replacement, and the player doesn’t have time to decide about whether the move is the right one.
“Especially if they’re playing abroad, because it’s a big decision and a big move.
“So rather than players turning down Tottenham, part of it is just not being willing to make a move that late in the window.”
In other news, Tottenham ‘haven’t given up on signing Marc Guehi’.
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