According to Marca, Atlético Madrid regret ignoring an offer from Tottenham for Yannick Carrasco in the summer.
Tottenham dodge a bullet with Yannick Carrasco
Well, the Spanish news outlet believe Spurs were willing to pay the €60m (£52m) release clause needed to sign the Belgium international.
However, Atlético Madrid declared their summer business over at that stage of the window, and had no interest in entering negotiations with Tottenham.
Now, Marca believe those at the Wanda Metropolitano regret that decision.
It is said that people at Atlético Madrid are stunned by how much Carrasco has regressed this season, having been one of the best players in the Spanish capital in previous campaigns.
So far this term, the Belgian has only scored one goal in 13 appearances across all competitions, and he is no longer a guaranteed starter under Diego Simeone as a result.
Those at Tottenham will be breathing a huge sigh of relief.
Had Fabio Paratici convinced Daniel Levy to sanction a £52m deal, only for Carrasco to play like this in north London, there surely would’ve been fury in the Tottenham boardroom.
Tottenham found better than Yannick Carrasco
In our view, the signing of Ivan Perisic on a free transfer was a much smarter deal than a move for Carrasco would have been.
Antonio Conte presumably wanted the 29-year-old because of his ability to play as a wing-back or as a striker.
However, Perisic – despite the fact he is four years older – can do exactly that.
The Croatia international has also worked under Conte before, so the Italian has the benefit of knowing how to utilise him properly, whereas Carrasco would have been a completely new option.
Of course, signing the younger of the two would have been nice for Spurs, but not at a cost of £52m.
Hopefully, Carrasco can turn his form around and become an important player for Atlético Madrid once again.
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