Tottenham confirmed the loan signing of Arnaut Danjuma after hijacking an Everton move to land the Netherlands ace – but European expert Kevin Hatchard told TalkSPORT (25/01, 11.35PM) he could struggle if his form does not improve.
Danjuma, 26, has joined the club on loan from Villarreal until the end of the season. Spurs will have the option to buy the ex-Bournemouth attacker for a fee of around £27m, as per the Times. He was set to complete a move to Everton.
Indeed, Danjuma had agreed a move to the Toffees and even done media work with the Merseyside club. But, Spurs chose to hijack Everton’s move at the last minute. Danjuma has been impressive over the last 18 months at Villarreal.
He scored 16 goals in 36 games during the 2021-22 season, laying on four assists. This term, though, he only has six goals in 17 games. Hatchard was asked by TalkSPORT – and said Danjuma could struggle is his form does not improve.
“Depends which Danjuma you’re getting. The Danjuma of last season, scoring Champions League goals, it is a good signing. The Danjuma of this season, he’s not been at it, had his head turned – he might struggle. Low-risk signing.”
Hatchard: Danjuma could struggle at Tottenham if form does not improve
The issue is, is that Danjuma is not going to start matches. Deki Kulusevski and Son Heung-min are first choice. Yes, Son is in a bad run of form and it might be that Danjuma has come in to add competition and get the best out of Son.
If that happens, then it is a positive for Spurs. But realistically, Danjuma is not going to start matches and his presence is merely strengthening the Spurs bench during the second half of the season. He offers versatility in the final third.
So, he can play up top as cover for Harry Kane, or on either flank. But if he is not starting games, then is he going to get the platform to really shine for Antonio Conte’s side? Time will tell. Injuries could play their part, too.
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