The Belgian ended up heading to China for the money.
Belgium’s Axel Witsel scores their second goal
About a year ago Tottenham Hotspur were being linked with making a summer move for Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel. The then Zenit Saint Petersburg midfielder was ready to move on from the Russian side and was set to head to one of Europe’s top leagues in an attempt to prove himself.
The Sun reported that Witsel was the subject of a £20 million interest from Spurs – who were looking to improve their midfield options.
However, Spurs fans must be pleased they did not sign the player.
Witsel eventually rejected a move to Italian giants Juventus in January to become one of the world’s best paid players in China by signing for Tianjin Quanjian – in a move he admitted was motivated by money.
The way Tottenham play, under the guise of Mauricio Pochettino, would surely not have lent itself to a player who would make such a move.
Belgium’s Axel Witsel
Witsel would simply not have fitted into the philosophy of the Argentine, who expects more than most managers from his players.
Snapping up Witsel would have looked good on paper, but £20 million would likely have been wasted.
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