Tottenham have dodged mega-money ‘burden’ as Clement Lenglet details emerge – pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted Tottenham have given themselves a “comfort zone” after completing a season-long loan deal for Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the pressure is now on the 27-year-old to “make it work” at Spurs in order to earn a permanent move.
Tottenham announced the temporary arrival of Lenglet from cash-strapped Barcelona on Friday (9 July).
According to an update from journalist Alasdair Gold later that day, Antonio Conte’s side have not negotiated an option to sign the France international on a permanent basis at the end of the loan spell.
Lenglet is Tottenham’s fifth summer arrival – with Fraser Forster, Ivan Perisic, Yves Bissouma, and Richarlison already completing moves to north London.
Whelan suggested the lack of mega-money fee reduces the pressure on Spurs – with big swoops for Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso falling flat in recent years.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s a good way of doing business.
“You’ve got to see whether he’s up to scratch in the Premier League and whether he can gel into Antonio Conte’s style of play.
“That loan gives Tottenham that comfort zone, doesn’t it? If it doesn’t work out, then Tottenham haven’t got that burden of paying a big fee for a player who hasn’t cut it.
“I think it makes complete sense. It’s now up to Lenglet to make it work and put in the performances.
“If he can do that, I’m sure the money will be straight over to Barcelona and he’ll come in on a permanent deal.”
Tottenham will play Champions League football in the 2022-23 season.
Conte’s side start their league campaign against Southampton on 6 August.
In other news, Kieran Maguire claims Tottenham plan may be doomed to fail – “good luck selling this to fans”.