Tottenham Hotspur have brought in Barcelona right back Emerson Royal today, but journalist Tim Vickery isn’t entirely sold on him yet.
Fabio Paratici wanted to bring in a new right back this summer, and had to wait until the final hours of the transfer window to get one in.
After days of talks, Tottenham have secured the signing of Emerson on a five-year contract and handed him the number 12 shirt.
Emerson was the subject of a co-ownership agreement between Barcelona and Real Betis, with the defender spending two years down in Andalusia.
Barcelona then brought him to the Camp Nou this summer, but have decided to take a quick profit on him amid their well-publicised financial problems.
With Sergino Dest and Sergi Roberto preferred to Emerson, he has now been allowed to leave Tottenham, becoming their fourth right back at the disposal of Nuno Espirito Santo.
Japhet Tanganga, Matt Doherty and Serge Aurier are also available, and fans will be desperate to know what they’re getting in Emerson.
South American football expert Tim Vickery spoke to Sky Sports earlier today, and he admitted that most of his career has been on promise rather than actual proven quality.
Vickery noted that Emerson didn’t impress in Brazil or at Real Betis at first, but started to kick on last season and needs to continue that progress in order to be a success at Tottenham.
Vickery even compared Emerson to Maicon, suggesting that the comparison may not impress Tottenham fans given his history against Gareth Bale at Tottenham.
“He’s an attacking right back, he’s a kind of strapping figure in the mould, perhaps, of Maicon – which may not impress Tottenham fans too much after what Gareth Bale did to him,” said Vickery.
“His career so far is a little bit shaky. He was a reserve in Brazil, he played for Brazil at Under-20 level although not very well. Barcelona picked him up, really on promise, didn’t use him. A couple of seasons at Betis, not a lot the first season, better the second season.”
“He’s on the fringes of Brazil’s squad, where they have a problem at right back. So far, it’s much much more promise than reality,” he added.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
