Robinson Exclusive: Spurs have 'Exploited' club with late signing of 'Outstanding' player

Paul Robinson believes Tottenham "exploited" Benfica with their deal for striker Carlos Vinicius.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, the former Spurs and England goalkeeper believe his former club were able to negotiate a better deal because of Benfica's early exit from the Champions League.

The north London club paid a reported £2.7million for the 25-year-old to join on a season-long loan and have an option for the deal to become permanent for just over £40million.

Benfica failed to make it to the Champions League group stages after their 2-1 loss to Greek side PAOK in the third qualifying round last month.

Robinson believes this meant the Portugese giants were more willing to let their top goalscorer leave as they desperately needed to raise funds.

He told Football Insider: “I think he’s a great signing, I really do.

“They’ve exploited Benfica’s exit from the Champions League and exploited Benfica’s need for cash because of that.

“They’ve bought a top-class player, over 20 goals last season and he’s still only young.

“With Spurs competing on so many fronts this season, you can’t really sell it as back-up to Harry Kane anymore.

“I was there at the Stadium for the Maccabi Haifa game, they had Chelsea in the Carabao Cup and then Manchester United at Old Trafford at the weekend.

“He’s going to get a chance, he’s going to play at least 15 games this season. I think it’s an outstanding signing.

“I think they’ve had a really good window Spurs there’s real optimism and good press around Spurs for the first time in a while.

“I’m really optimistic as to what they can achieve this season.”

In other news, Football Insider can exclusively REVEAL Tottenham are close to agreeing a new contract with a rising star after a breakthrough.