The Algerian has impressed in fits and bursts at Schalke but is reportedly likely to return to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.
Nabil Bentaleb appeared to have talked himself out of a second chance at Tottenham Hotspur. However, according to Spox, the Algerian international could find himself back at White Hart Lane next season, although his chances of earning a place in the side appear remote at best.
“Even if Tottenham were on top of the league, I would not regret my transfer,” the Algerian international stated in October, as reported by ESPN.
“The fans support us. I don’t know that from England. If you lose there, nobody supports you in the stadium.”
If Bentaleb’s every touch was not accompanied by a chorus of well-wishing cheers beforehand, he has certainly not improved his chances of a more positive reception from the Spurs support.
Yet, in the five months since, the 22-year-old’s opinion appears to have changed.
Spox report that Schalke’s inconsistent Bundesliga form has made him think twice about committing his future at the Veltins Arena, meaning Spurs could miss out on a £16.3 million windfall agreed if the Gelsenkirchen-based side were to turn his loan into a permanent deal.
Non-league star could be good value at Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham Hotspur
Yet Pochettino made it emphatically clear last summer that Bentaleb, who impressed initially after being granted an opportunity by Tim Sherwood, was in no way part of his future plans.
And despite a season in which he has shown signs of leaving the safe, sideways passing behind and adopting a more expansive approach, epitomised by a number of long-range stunners in Schalke colours, Bentaleb could return to find himself even further down the pecking order.
18-year-old prodigy would benefit from joining Tottenham Hotspur or Everton
Since his departure, Victor Wanyama and Moussa Sissoko were added to the squad while Harry Winks has gracefully skipped into the first-team.
Therefore, Bentaleb is at a crossroads at the age of just 22.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
