Tottenham Hotspur need to think about a long-term replacement for the Belgian and should bring someone in now.
As good as Mousa Dembele has been during his time at Tottenham Hotspur, the midfielder’s quality is fading and Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino would be wise to sign a long-term replacement as soon as possible.
He could wait until next summer, but the pressure would then be on the new addition to hit the ground running, while a move next month would allow said player to settle in his new surroundings while Dembele is still around to pick up the slack.
Given his waning influence, it would be no surprise to see the 32-year-old leave Spurs next summer, but at least this way it allows him to work in tandem with his long-term replacement to ensure a smooth transition.
Dembele has been blighted by injury in recent times, and his fans may feel he can still get back to his best in time. That said, he has featured at some point in Tottenham’s last nine league games and there is no sign of that form returning.
The sad fact is that Dembele’s best years are behind him, especially as the buccaneering box-to-box midfielder Tottenham initially brought in from Fulham.
The trick for Pochettino is ensuring he brings in a suitable replacement without that player struggling under the weight of expectation.
If a January move for the right man is possible, it would suit all concerned, but it may take a hefty offer to get a deal over the line at such stage in the campaign.
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