Before the September 1st deadline, Tottenham allowed Tanguy Ndombele to join Napoli on loan for the 2022/23 campaign.
The deal includes an option for Napoli to buy the France international for £26m in 2023, although on the basis of comments from journalist Paolo Del Genio, that clause may not be triggered.
What’s the story?
Well, the Italian journalist was speaking to Radio Goal after Napoli’s 1-0 win over Spezia, a game in which Ndombele was substituted at half-time in place of Stanislav Lobotka.
Del Genio said: “I want to return to the Napoli – Spezia match to say that on the performance side there are undoubtedly things to review, such as some choices that have not convinced us, one above all and I am referring to the new Ndombele signing.”
Clearly, he did not agree with the 25-year-old’s inclusion in the starting XI.
Since his move to Naples, Ndombele has made two starts in Serie A, while also making two substitute appearances.
According to WhoScored, the Frenchman failed to record a key pass or embark on a single dribble before being hauled off at the midway point, while he was also unable to have a shot.
It was a very ineffective display from Ndombele, and Daniel Levy will not hold out much hope of seeing that £26m option triggered if things continue this way.
It comes just days after Italian news outlet Calciomercato were also critical of the Tottenham loanee, who is currently lightyears away from the form he found for Lyon before his £53.8m move to Spurs.
Tottenham need Tanguy Ndombele to shine
It is already quite embarrassing for Tottenham to have a £26m price tag attached to a player who was once their club-record signing at £53.8m.
However, if Ndombele continues to struggle, Spurs may not even receive that amount for him, which would be a nightmarish scenario for the north Londoners.
Fabio Paratici – Director of Football at Tottenham – also wouldn’t get the chance to reinvest those funds into new additions if the Frenchman fails to shine at Napoli.
Therefore, Antonio Conte, Paratici and Levy will be desperate to see him improve under Luciano Spalletti in Naples.
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