Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Mousa Dembele has told talkSPORT that he would be open to a summer transfer but his next destination will not be in the Premier League.
The Belgian is currently at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia with his national team, but that has not stopped him discussing his possible future plans and delivering a transfer bombshell.
The midfielder made 40 appearances for Spurs in all competitions last season, helping his team to a 3rd place league finish and the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
The 30-year-old suggested that it’s possible he will leave the club in the current transfer window and is not ruling out anything, apart from a move to another club in the Premier League.
“Tottenham is my club, my family is happy in London and the children are enrolled in a school – all of which you cannot just leave like that,” he told talkSPORT.
“But otherwise I’m open to anything. Since I was little, I am someone who loves an adventure.
“I have already talked about the championship in China with Axel Witsel.
“But I also talked about the MLS to Laurent Ciman and if someone was playing in Bangladesh, I would also ask him for information.
“It will be time to study the options available to me, but I do not see myself playing in another club than Tottenham in England.”
OPINION
The 30-year-old has been an impressive performer for Spurs since his £15m move from Fulham in 2012, where he’s built a reputation for being one of the most technically gifted midfielders in the Premier League, combining strength and power with fluid dribbling ability. Although he’s had a lot of injury problems over the last few years, he’s still a key player for Mauricio Pochettino and it would be a massive blow if he leaves, as he’s a unique and irreplaceable talent. However, with the Belgian turning 31 next month, the Spurs manager might think that now is the best time to get a transfer fee for Dembele, which he can use to strengthen his squad this summer. Should Dembele leave for pastures new, it gives an opportunity to English youngster Harry Winks, who showed his massive potential last season and should be able to get more regular game time next season if the Dembele completes a move away.