Back in August 2020, Southampton completed the £12m signing of Kyle Walker-Peters from Tottenham, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg going the other way.
At the time, it looked like a great move for both Premier League clubs.
Spurs got the midfield destroyer they so desperately needed after the departures of Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele, whereas Southampton fixed a problem position of theirs at right-back.
Now, however, the Saints are having the last laugh.
What’s the story?
Well, Walker-Peters is enjoying a superb season for Southampton.
The 24-year-old has scored two goals while also providing three assists in all competitions, despite lining up at both right-back and left-back this term.
While the Englishman shines for the Saints, Tottenham are experiencing plenty of issues in the right-back department.
The £25.8m signing of Emerson Royal has proven to be a disastrous addition, while Matt Doherty has also struggled since his £14.7m move from Wolves.
According to The Athletic, Antonio Conte wanted a new right-back in January, suggesting he’s far from happy with his options.
Tottenham’s loss is Southampton’s gain
Spurs would’ve been wise to include a buyback clause when selling Walker-Peters to Southampton, as he’d probably start for the north Londoners right now.
Under Ralph Hasenhuttl, the £50,000-a-week man is getting better and better going forward, while he seems very comfortable on the ball nowadays.
In Conte’s wing-back system, the London-born defender would’ve thrived.
Sadly, he now belongs to Southampton, and Tottenham will have to look elsewhere to find a long-term solution for Conte at right-back.
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