Tottenham Hotspur allowed the Algerian to join Schalke this summer.
Tottenham’s Nabil Bentaleb
Reports in Germany this week are suggesting that Schalke 04 do have a purchase option included in the loan deal for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Nabil Bentaleb.
The Algerian joined the Gelsenkirchen club on loan for the season last month. It was not reported at the time however whether Schalke and Spurs had agreed on a deal that could see him leave permanently next summer.
But Kicker reported this week that a deal has been agreed to this effect – although they did not report on any potential fee.
Tottenham’s Nabil Bentaleb in action with Isaac Hayden (R) of Arsenal
They also carried quoted from Schalke’s excited sporting director Christian Heidel. He explained just why the Bundesliga club were so keen to bring the Tottenham star in this summer:
“We want to play Gegenpressing.
“Nabil Bentaleb is a perfect fit for our system. He just can’t stand it when the opponent is in possession of the ball.”
Bentaleb’s future at Spurs was in doubt for much of the summer. He lost his place at the club under Mauricio Pochettino after a struggle with injuries last season.
Juventus’ Mario Lemina in action with Tottenham’s Victor Wanyama
The emergence of Harry Winks in pre-season, the development of Eric Dier as a midfielder and the signing of Victor Wanyama certainly left Bentaleb out of favour at White Hart Lane and Moussa Sissoko’s further arrival would have seen the Algerian watching from the sidelines.
Now it appears if he impresses for Schalke he will be leaving Spurs permanently next summer.
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