Back in January, there was a shock at Tottenham as Dilan Markanday decided to leave the Premier League and join Blackburn on a permanent basis.
The 20-year-old was one of the brightest prospects at Spurs, if not the brightest, so supporters were understandably frustrated to see him go.
Now, something has happened which is sure to reignite those feelings of anger in N17.
What’s the story?
Well, yesterday, Markanday earned a nomination for the Premier League 2 Player of the Season award.
The London-born forward made his way onto the shortlist after scoring 12 goals in just 14 Premier League 2 appearances before leaving for Blackburn, while also providing five assists.
In our view, that is a phenomenal return for a player who basically only played 50% of the Premier League 2 season.
Markanday is joined by Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, James McAtee, Conor Bradley, Tom Dickson-Peters, Sonny Hilton, Abu Kamara and Kazeem Olaigbe.
Unfortunately for Markanday, he was unable to kick on after taking the plunge into the Championship, as he suffered a serious injury.
Hopefully, the winger can fully recover in Lancashire, and take the Championship by storm with Blackburn next season.
Tottenham must avoid another Dilan Markanday situation
It’s always worrying when a bright prospect takes it upon himself to leave, rather than trying to make it into the first-team.
As Markanday said himself, he wanted “more” than what he had at Spurs.
Evidently, he couldn’t see a clear pathway into the first-team at Tottenham, which is something Antonio Conte simply has to address.
After all, it hasn’t just happened with Markanday.
Spurs also allowed Noni Madueke to slip through their fingers, and the winger is now shining at PSV Eindhoven.
In fact, Tottenham are believed to be interested in re-signing the England Under-21 international, although they may have to spend £34m if they are to get him back.
If Conte cannot make the pathway into the first-team clearer, Spurs should prepare to lose many more exciting young talents like Markanday.
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