Mauricio Pochettino has wanted to bring Geoffrey Kondogbia to Premier League giants Tottenham for over two years – but he’s flying in La Liga instead.
If Tottenham Hotspur had their way, Geoffrey Kondogbia would now be in his third season in North London. Instead, it seems that Spurs are set to miss out on the French midfielder yet again.
According to Sky Sports, Spurs wanted to sign Kondogbia in the summer of 2015, just months after his masterful midfield performance helped Monaco to a stunning 3-1 win away at Arsenal in the Champions League round of 16.
Kondogbia signed for Inter Milan for £30 million instead but, after two disappointing seasons at the San Siro, joined Valencia on a season-long loan this summer.
Though with the former Sevilla enforcer getting back to his peerless best at a rejuvenated Valencia, Sky Sports claimed earlier this month that Tottenham were hoping to renew their interest in a player who has been on Mauricio Pochettino’s radar for over two years.
But, as reported by Gianluca Di Marzio, Spurs hopes of finally luring the 24-year-old to North London look over – for the time being at least.
Valencia are understood to have an option to sign Kondogbia permanently at the end of this season – and sporting director Mateu Alemany says the La Liga pacesetters have already agreed to all the details of the deal.
This is a major blow for Spurs, who are understood to be looking for a long-term successor to Moussa Dembele at the heart of their midfield.
Kondogbia, a player similar in style to Yaya Toure at his peak, has been one of the best midfielders in La Liga this season and finally looks like the £30 million superstar Inter thought they had signed in the summer of 2015.
Dominant midfield performances against Real Madrid and Barcelona appear to once again have confirmed Kondogbia as one of the world’s best young enforcers.
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