According to The Telegraph, Barcelona still can’t believe Tottenham offered to pay £25.8m to sign Emerson Royal back in August.
What’s the story?
Well, it was Nuno Espirito Santo who brought the Brazilian to N17 back in the summer, as he looked to replace Serge Aurier.
However, Emerson Royal has struggled at Tottenham, particularly in a wing-back role since Antonio Conte was hired by Daniel Levy.
As a result, The Telegraph believe Spurs are targeting Wolves winger Adama Traore to replace the South American.
Barcelona paid just £8m to sign the 22-year-old in June 2021 after exercising their option to buy him from Real Betis.
Therefore, you can see why there was such shock at the Camp Nou when Spurs offered to pay £25.8m for the defender.
Emerson Royal has been hard done by at Tottenham
Let’s set the record straight – Emerson Royal is not a bad footballer, as much as Barcelona’s view on his sale makes it seem that way.
Sadly, he has been asked to fulfil a role he simply isn’t used to under Conte, one he is struggling to adapt to.
Emerson Royal’s crossing has been poor, while there is not always a willingness to overlap his teammates on the flanks.
Nevertheless, he is a good defender, who perhaps would’ve shone in a more rigid back four like the one adopted by José Mourinho.
Additionally, we mustn’t forget that Emerson Royal is adapting to a new country, during a global pandemic no less.
Hopefully, he can find success, whether that be at Tottenham or elsewhere.
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