OPINION
Tottenham are reportedly in talks with Serie A side Hellas Verona over a move that would see Georges N’Koudou join the Italians on loan.
Sky Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claimed on his official website that Verona’s sporting director Filippo Fusco is currently locked in negotiations with the north London giants in order to thrash out a deal.
The report claims 22-year-old N’Koudou joined Tottenham last summer from Marseille for a fee of £11.9million but could now be sent on loan to Verona, after a disappointing start to life under Mauricio Pochettino.
Speed machine N’Koudou started just two times throughout the entire 2016-17 campaign, making only 17 league and cup appearances in total as he struggled to break his way through the pecking order.
The likes of Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen, Son Heung-Min and Moussa Sissoko all remain ahead of him in Pochettino’s thinking which has seen Verona look to sign the winger.
Here, This Is Futbol considers whether allowing N’Koudou to leave is good business, and if a move can be struck before the end of the transfer window.
Good move for Tottenham?
N’Koudou is unlikely to earn a place in the Spurs side this season, as he remains far down the pecking order at Wembley despite being a prominent member in pre-season.
The six-time France Under-21 international has failed to be picked in Pochettino’s 18-man squad for the Newcastle and Chelsea matches, with a move the best solution for all parties involved.
N’Koudou will be given much needed game time, while Verona will be receiving a player that is desperate to get back to his best in the top tier of Italian football.
But most importantly for Spurs, they could see N’Koudou thrive in Italy and either cash in on him next summer for a hefty price tag or see him shine for the north Londoners upon his return. It just makes sense.
This Is Futbol rating: 10/10.
Likely to happen?
With N’Koudou likely to want to show Pochettino just why he cost £11.9million, a loan move is the ideal opportunity for the Frenchman to boast his quality in top-flight football.
The winger will instantly become Verona’s first-choice winger and the Italians will look to give him every chance to reach his brilliant best as they look to avoid relegation once again from Serie A.
It means that all those involved will want to secure a deal, with Verona showing just how keen they are by already reportedly entering talks through Fusco with Spurs.
The only issue to iron out is whether the loan should be a loan-to-buy deal, with it yet to be seen if Spurs want to sell N’Koudou or are willing to see how he fares at Verona.
This Is Futbol: 9/10.