The 21-year-old looks set to leave Tottenham Hotspur permanently after impressing on loan.
Nabil Bentaleb
A report from German outlet Bild has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Nabil Bentaleb is set to complete a permanent move to Schalke next summer after impressing during the early stages of his loan spell.
The 21-year-old left White Hart Lane for the Bundesliga this summer after struggling to hold down a regular spot under Mauricio Pochettino.
Bentaleb (right), has made an impressive start at Schalke
And it appears that his appearance in Tottenham’s Europa League tie with Fiorentina in February may now be his last for Spurs as Bild reports that Schalke have the option to make the switch permanent for around £17m. With Bild adding that a four-year deal has already been agreed, it appears that they are set to take up that option.
There is no question that Bentaleb has done well since moving to Germany. His three goals and two assists from midfield has been one of the few positives from what has been a disappointing start to the season for Markus Weinzierl’s men.
Nevertheless, it is unlikely that his departure would leave many Tottenham supporters particularly upset, especially if the club do indeed end up earning £17m in the process.
Pochettino’s squad already boasts a tremendous amount of depth in the middle of the park, so it was always going to be a tough ask for Bentaleb to force his way back up the pecking order upon his return.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino
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