Valencia’s Geoffrey Kondogbia allegedly snubbed both Tottenham and West Ham United.
According to Spanish newspaper Plaza Deportivo, midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia rejected approaches from both Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United in favour of Valencia.
Kondogbia, 25, became a young star with Lens in his native France before moving on to Sevilla in 2012, and he has struggled to truly settle since making that move to Spain.
Monaco landed him in 2013 before selling him to Inter Milan two years later, but after struggling to impress in Italy, the French international returned to Spain by joining Valencia last summer.
Kondogbia rekindled his best form, bagging four goals and four assists in 31 games for Valencia, with the club turning his move permanent this summer after a fruitful season.
Now, Spanish newspaper Plaza Deportivo report that Valencia beat off approaches from Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United in order to sign Kondogbia, with manager Marcelino calling him regularly to seal a move.
It’s claimed that Tottenham’s offer actually would have given Kondogbia a greater contract, but he was set on joining Valencia in a move which has certainly paid dividends.
Whilst they allegedly failed last summer, Tottenham should certainly keep Kondogbia on their radar. With questions over Mousa Dembele’s long-term future, a powerful midfielder who can drive through the pitch should be a priority for Mauricio Pochettino, and Kondogbia certainly fits that bill.
Southampton and West Ham may have a tougher time landing Kondogbia now given that he’ll be back in the Champions League next season, but Valencia have been known as a selling club over the years, and keeping tabs on Kondogbia would be wise.
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