Georges-Kevin Nkoudou is already being linked with a move away from Tottenham.
Liverpool’s Nathaniel Clyne in action with Tottenham’s Georges-Kevin Nkoudou
Tottenham Hotspur winger Georges-Kevin Nkoudou has already been linked with a move away from the club – but Spurs should persist with the youngster.
After coming up short in the race for the Premier League title last season, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino set about adding to his squad for the new league season as well as the club’s European campaign.
Spurs were criticised for being too one-paced out wide, and Pochettino moved to bring in French winger Georges-Kevin Nkoudou from Marseille in what was a protracted transfer saga.
Nkoudou timeline
July 19th 2016: Telefoot report that Nkoudou has completed a medical with Tottenham ahead of a £14.5million move to White Hart Lane.
August 7th 2016: Sky Sports claim that, despite three weeks of the deal stalling, Tottenham remain keen on signing Nkoudou as they see him as a star in the making.
August 9th 2016: Marseille-based newspaper Le Phoceen report that Nkoudou’s move to Spurs – and Clinton N’Jie’s subsequent move to Marseille – has been cancelled.
August 17th 2016: Sky Sports report that Nkoudou’s move is back on, with N’Jie heading to Marseille in the opposite direction.
August 31st 2016: Tottenham finally – after more than six weeks of negotiating – confirm the signing of Nkoudou on a five-year contract.
Nkoudou hit nine goals and five assists for Marseille last season following a move from Nantes, and his pace was seen as something that could change the Tottenham attack for the better.
However, the Frenchman has started just two games for Tottenham, making a further 11 substitute appearances in a quiet first season in English football.
Tottenham’s Georges-Kevin Nkoudou in action with Bayer Leverkusen’s Wendell
Having made little impact, The Mirror recently reported that Nkoudou’s former club Nantes are hoping to re-sign the winger this summer, as they look to offer him first-team football.
However, having allowed N’Jie to leave on loan after just one season at White Hart Lane, it’s time for Tottenham to show as much patience with Nkoudou as it took to sign him last summer.
With just two starts, Nkoudou hasn’t had a fair opportunity to shine, and not only has he been adapting to English football, but he’s also a young player, who will need time to settle in and play his best football.
Having spent so long trying to sign Nkoudou last summer, it would be a waste for Tottenham to give up on Nkoudou already, and they should snub interest in his services this summer in order to give him a real chance next term.
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