Tottenham Hotspur striker Fernando Llorente is likely to move on in 2019.
Tottenham Hotspur striker Fernando Llorente has told Cadena SER that he could be tempted into re-signing for Athletic Bilbao – but he would have to speak to Daniel Levy about an exit.
After hitting 15 goals in the 2016-17 season for Swansea City, Spurs swooped to sign Llorente ahead of Chelsea on deadline day in August 2017.
It seemed like the perfect fit; veteran Llorente was at at stage in his career where he wouldn’t expect to be a starter for a top club like Tottenham, but he still had enough left in the tank to be adequate cover for Harry Kane and score goals from the bench.
Unfortunately, it hasn’t really worked out like that, as the 33-year-old has scored just six goals in all competitions this season, and hasn’t even been on the bench in some games.
He did come on as a substitute in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at Barcelona, but with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, a 2019 exit is certainly on the cards.
Whether that’s a sale in January or leaving as a free agent next summer remains to be seen, but many believe he could return to former club Athletic Bilbao.
Now, Llorente has told Cadena SER that he would be open to heading back to the Basque club, but noted that any January transfer would mean that he has to ask chairman Daniel Levy for a move as it isn’t just up to him.
“I finish my contract at the end of the year, the club has the option to continue for a year, what do I want, that whatever God wants, we will see,” said Llorente. “I would like to feel important in a club, that is my priority. To return to Athletic? If I have the opportunity and tey talk to me, yes. Going out in the winter market? It does not depend on me , I’d have to talk to Tottenham and Levy,” he added.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
