Tottenham Hotspur boss Nuno Espirito Santo played a crucial role in convincing Barcelona defender Emerson Royal to sign on deadline day.
That’s according to Marca, who claim that Emerson had never even thought of leaving Barcelona this summer – and who can blame him?
Barcelona only moved to sign Emerson this summer, having engineered a co-ownership agreement with Real Betis in 2019.
They activated their deal to sign the Brazilian, but have now decided to sell him already in order to bring in a quick profit.
Barcelona already have Sergino Dest and Sergi Roberto, so Emerson was seen as expendable when Tottenham came forward with cash.
Yet with Emerson hardly jumping at the move, just how did Tottenham manage to convince him into signing in the end?
Marca claim that Emerson didn’t want to leave, and was severely disappointed when he learned that Barcelona were willing to sell him.
Nuno spoke directly to Emerson, telling him that he would be a ‘very important’ player in the Tottenham side this season and beyond, which was enough to secure an agreement.
Japhet Tanganga has started this season as Tottenham’s first-choice right back, but Emerson is now expected to take over in that role after Nuno’s words to the Brazilian.
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