Why Vincent Janssen rejecting a loan to Brighton seems like a huge mistake now

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Does going to the Super Lig help Vincent Janssen in the long run?

Fans take selfies with Tottenham Hotspur dutch striker Vincent Janssen (C) upon his arrival at Ataturk International airport in Istanbul

The writing was on the wall for Vincent Janssen when Tottenham signed Fernando Llorente from Swansea on deadline day of the transfer window. To say the 23-year-old had an underwhelming season in a Tottenham shirt would be a massive understatement, given he scored just 6 goals since he signed for the North London side, only two of them being from open play.

The only saving grace for the Dutchman was, he showed flashes of potential for Spurs. However, with the North London side looking to get their hands on silverware this season, it was obvious that potential wouldn’t cut it at Wembley.

Ex-Swansea and Tottenham striker Fernando Llorente

The best move for Janssen and Tottenham would have undoubtedly been one where he gets regular play time in the Premier League, to get used to the physicality and the pace of the division. However, the Dutchman decided against moving to newly promoted Brighton and Hope Albion on deadline day (as reported by Sky Sports), effectively deciding to stay at Tottenham as a third choice option behind Harry Kane and Fernando Llorente.

Whatever hopes he had of seeing game time must have vanished when he was omitted from Tottenham’s Champions League squad, with Mauricio Pochettino electing to list Heung-Min Son, Harry Kane, and Fernando Llorente as the three forwards.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Argentinian head coach Mauricio Pochettino

On Friday, Fenerbahce confirmed that they have agreed to sign Janssen on a season long loan deal, which would, in theory, guarantee the Dutch international playing time. However, does it make sense for either Tottenham and or Janssen, especially if he has ambitions of succeeding in the Premier League? Simply, no.

The Netherlands Number 9 might have rejected moves to Premier League sides in the summer in a bid to stay with the Spurs, but rejecting a Premier League loan and then moving to the Super Lig might have pushed him closer to the proverbial back door.