Kyle Walker left Tottenham Hotspur for Manchester City in a mega money move but were West Ham United the real winners?
Walker left Spurs for Premier League title rivals City in a £54 million deal last week.
The transfer was a record for a defender and has raised eyebrows with many suggesting defending is the weakest part of the England fullback’s game.
Spurs have responded by elevating the status of Walker’s former back-up, the excellent Kieran Trippier and handing him a new and improved long term deal.
Tottenham’s Kieran Trippier comes on as a substitute to replace Kyle Walker
But with no signings yet for Mauricio Pochettino, the North Londoners have lost a lot of experience and quality from their lethal right hand side.
Meanwhile Spurs’ rivals West Ham were quick out of the blocks to secure Walker’s City predecessor Pablo Zabaleta for precisely £54 million less… on a free transfer.
It is not often Hammers fans can boast their club has been more shrewd than Tottenham in the transfer market, particularly during Pochettino’s superb tenure.
But it is somewhat surprising the Argentine did not see the benefits bringing his compatriot Zabaleta in on a free as back-up to Tripper could be given his vast experience and quality.
Pablo Zabaleta
Perhaps Zabaleta only wanted to go to a club where he was more or less guaranteed a starting spot for the twilight years of a fantastic career?
Spurs may have swollen their coffers with the sale of Walker but he was a key player and has gone to a major rival, trumping the Hammers to Zabaleta would certainly have taken the edge off.
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