Tottenham Hotspur star Erik Lamela’s absence continues to frustrate and baffle the club’s fans.
Everton’s Ross Barkley
Spurs have made Everton midfielder Ross Barkley their primary summer transfer target, according to the Mirror, and if they do manage to prise him away from Goodison Park, it could spell the end for one of Tottenham’s star men.
Erik Lamela signed for Tottenham from Roma in the summer of 2013, for a fee that could still eclipse the £30 million mark depending on certain clauses, but has failed to hit the heights that was expected of him.
The 25-year-old has not featured for the Lilywhites since October, and is seemingly still no nearer making a return, with Mauricio Pochettino admitting that the Argentine may not play again this term (Evening Standard).
And with no official diagnosis for Lamela’s situation being released by the club, his future at White Hart Lane must seriously be in doubt, especially with the potential arrival of the 23-year-old Everton man.
In fact, Pochettino’s reported interest in attacking midfield reinforcements in itself serves as evidence that he has grown impatient with the former River Plate star’s prolonged absence.
Tottenham’s Erik Lamela
Barkley would certainly bring an added physical presence to Tottenham’s attacking options, and is arguably far better suited to the rigours of the English game than Lamela is.
If Pochettino is ready to give up on the 25-year-old winger, he and the club may just have to accept the fact that they will suffer a heavy loss on their investment on a player who quite clearly has an abundance of physical issues.
Whilst Lamela has shown glimpses of his undoubted ability on the odd occasion, there is a train of thought that he is just not cut-out for the Premier League, so sanctioning his exit, whilst bringing in Barkley, might turn out to be a wonderful piece of business for Tottenham.
Tottenham’s Erik Lamela in action
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