Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon valuation a test of Tottenham Hotspur’s ambition

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Tottenham Hotspur may have to shatter their club-record transfer fee again if they want to sign Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham.

Love him or loathe him, there’s no doubting Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is a very shrewd businessman. Too shrewd, in the eyes of some Spurs supporters, with the club’s restrictive wage structure leaving their key players in danger of being tempted by bigger offers elsewhere.

Although Tottenham have shattered their transfer record in successive summers to sign Moussa Sissoko and then Davinson Sanchez, fans have often been left frustrated by Levy’s refusal to pay top dollar for players that would undoubtedly enhance Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.

With The Sun reporting that Fulham are now demanding £50 million for teenage wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon, you wonder whether Spurs are in danger of being priced out for a player they have tracked since before he made his senior debut last year.

Bale 2.0?

The Sun’s report states that Spurs see the 17-year-old left-sided player as the potential second coming of Gareth Bale and, although he only inked a new contract in June to commit his immediate future to Fulham, the North London giants are thought to be already weighing up a fresh bid, perhaps as early as January.

There’s no doubting that Sessegnon is one of the most exciting talents in Europe, scoring five goals and producing three assists for a thrilling Fulham side last season, while performing with an incredible maturity usually reserved for truly special talents.

Even in the modern transfer market, however, £50 million for a 17-year-old is a truly obscene figure – even though Fulham are well within their rights to ask for as much as possible for a player they are desperate not to lose.

And while Sessegnon could prove to be an inspired investment long-term, it’s difficult to see Levy stumping up such a sum. Manchester United, who the Sun report claims are also interested, appear far more likely to throw the cheque book at Fulham.