The Algerian departed Tottenham on an initial loan deal this afternoon.
Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse and Tottenham’s Nabil Bentaleb in action
Tottenham Hotspur today said goodbye to midfield talent Nabil Bentaleb, with the player heading to Schalke on an initial loan deal which could become permanent.
The Algerian midfielder will be playing his football in the Bundesliga this season. If he were to leave the club permanently it would end an association stretching back to 2012, when he joined the London club from Dunkerque.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Nabil Bentaleb (L) in action against Nottingham Forest’s Lars Veldwijk (R)
Bentaleb is clearly looking to impress in Gelsenkirchen and appears happy at the idea of a new challenge, as he tweeted this message earlier today:
He also commented on the move.
Speaking on the official Schalke 04 website today he explained how he first heard of Schalke’s interest six weeks ago and immediately wanted the deal to go through:
“I am looking forward to the challenge of Schalke. Six weeks ago, I first heard about the interest of the club and hoped since that a change would be possible.
“My visit last week has reinforced that desire again. I am very happy and I want to help the team achieve their goals for the season.”
Everton’s Muhamed Besic (L) in action with Tottenham’s Nabil Bentaleb
Bentaleb’s future at Spurs has been in doubt for much of the summer. He has lost his place at the club under Mauricio Pochettino after a struggle with injuries last season.
The emergence of Harry Winks in pre-season, the development of Eric Dier as a midfielder and the signing of Victor Wanyama has certainly left Bentaleb out of favour at White Hart Lane.
Spurs fans will no doubt wish him all the best in his new adventure.
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