The Athletic have explained why Tottenham did not follow up their interest in signing Leandro Trossard from Brighton in the January window – with North London rivals Arsenal winning the race to nab the Belgian for a fee of £25million.
Trossard, 28, was expected to leave the Seagulls. His contract had been extended – the Seagulls striking a clause in his deal to extend it until June 2024. But that exercise was merely to maximise his price tag. Brighton eventually got £25m.
But earlier in the window, before his move to Arsenal, Trossard was strongly linked with a move to Spurs. However, the Belgium World Cup star has since ended up at Arsenal – coming on as a sub against Manchester United in the League.
He also started in the 1-0 loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup. The report from The Athletic explains why Tottenham chose not to sign him. They report that Spurs felt Trossard, at 28, lacks resale value. They felt he was not worth £25m.
“At 28, Trossard lacked resale value, which meant Spurs weren’t willing to go near the £25million fee Arsenal would end up paying for a player who had 18 months left on his Brighton & Hove Albion contract,” the Athletic report this week.
Athletic explains why Tottenham did not follow up Trossard interest
Spurs have, instead, brought in Arnaut Danjuma. A player who has only just turned 26 and has cost Spurs only a small initial fee, given he is on loan. He does have a permanent clause in his loan deal at Spurs worth an enormous £27m.
While Trossard is Premier League proven and many would argue, better than Danjuma – the latter offers versatility. Trossard is, ideally a left winger that can play on the right. Danjuma can do both flanks, the 10 role, and even up front.
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