Tottenham would be wise to cash in on Erik Lamela this summer

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Tottenham Hotspur’s Erik Lamela had another mediocre display against West Bromwich Albion.

According to a report in the Independent last month, Tottenham Hotspur were keen to extend Erik Lamela’s contract by another season – keeping him at White Hart Lane until the summer of 2020.

The Argentine attacking midfielder joined Spurs for a hefty fee in 2013, though many felt at the time it was a cracking deal with the 26-year-old starring at Roma and possessing plenty of potential.

But over the course of the last five seasons, Lamela has largely flattered to deceive, and his record of just eight goals in over 100 Premier League appearances doesn’t justify the fee spent on him.

Spurs have given him plenty of chances to succeed, with the former River Plate man making 25 league starts in the 2014/15 campaign and a further 28 a season later.

He has found it more difficult to bag a place in the Tottenham starting XI over the past 18 months, largely due to the form of Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Heung-Min Son – yet he has still been given game-time by Mauricio Pochettino.

Lamela started the most recent outing against West Bromwich Albion, but once again he failed to make an impact as Spurs ultimately struggled to break down the Baggies, going down to a 1-0 defeat.

Tottenham’s recent FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United illustrated the lack of quality in depth and a lack of game-changers off the bench – and Lamela is largely a reason for that.

While United had the likes of Anthony Martial, Juan Mata and Marcus Rashford in reserve, Spurs were looking at Lamela to provide a spark but, in truth, he just doesn’t possess the quality to turn a game of that magnitude.

Pochettino must strengthen Spurs’ attacking options this summer, and to help raise a bit of funds, he ought to sell those who are unable to help the club go to the next level – winning major silverware.

Lamela currently pockets £80,000 per week, according to Spotrac, and it’s a fairly large figure considering the club’s strict wage structure means their highest earner Harry Kane earns just £20,000 per week more.