Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas believes a permanent move for Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League misfit Tanguy Ndombele may be ‘possible’, speaking to RMC Sport.
Spurs supporters are an understandably pessimistic bunch right about now.
So when Tanguy Ndombele left for Lyon in the January transfer window – turning down Paris Saint-Germain for a second spell at the Groupama Stadium – it felt inevitable that a enigma not even Jose Mourinho or Antonio Conte looked capable of cracking would immediately return to something akin to his swaggering best back home in familiar surroundings.
And sure enough, as Spurs were being out-ran and out-played for the third Premier League match in a row against Wolves, who else but Ndombele produced a mesmerising performance, capped off with an assist, as Lyon climbed to within touching distance of the Champions League places?
Has Tanguy Ndombele played his last game for Tottenham?
No one should get carried away just yet of course.
Ndombele has seen more false dawns than most in recent times. No one has ever questioned his ability. It’s just that, throughout his career, consistency continues to elude one of the most naturally-talented midfielders around – a point Aulas is keen to make.
“We have to let a few games pass by, we’re only at the start,” Aulas admits.
“I’m very happy that he’s back. With (directors) Bruno Cheyrou and Vincent Ponsot in charge, we needed to negotiate with Tottenham, who bought him for a lot. He played a part in his return by investing in it personally.”
Can Lyon afford a permanent deal?
Ndombele reportedly accepted a wage cut to return to the club where he made his name prior to that £56 million move to Spurs. Lyon will have to pay a similar fee if they want to sign the France international permanently in the summer, per the terms of an option-to-buy clause in Ndombele’s contract.
Even if Spurs are willing to negotiate a lower fee, Ndombele will still command far more than the club-record £22 million Lyon paid for one-time Arsenal youngster Jeff Reine-Adelaide.
“But if we win the Europa League, anything is possible,” Aulas adds.
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