OPINION
For the second summer running, Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino looks to be stuck with a striker that has not lived up to expectations just a year after signing him.
Just 12 months ago, it was Vincent Janssen who the Argentine boss had to figure out what to do with after his failure to impress, while Fernando Llorente has followed the exact same path as his Dutch counterpart, with neither offering the quality of backup to Harry Kane that was needed.
After just five goals in 31 appearances, it seems as though the Spaniard powerhouse’s time in north London could be coming to an end, with Marca claiming on their website’s live blog (11/07, 12:22) that the former Swansea man has a number of options on his plate, including a move to the Chinese Super League.
A transfer to the far east could be a lucrative move for Llorente as he enters the final years of his career, but it could also result in a major windfall for Spurs.
The Chinese clubs have shown no trepidation at throwing massive amounts of money to get signings through the door, and while Pochettino might have expected a nominal fee for Llorente’s sale, a move to China could result in a surprise windfall for the club.
If Super League sides are indeed keen on signing Llorente, then Spurs must be urging him to find the right club for his needs, for they could be in for a handy bonus when he eventually leaves.
It is hugely unlikely that any European clubs would be willing to splash the same sort of cash as a club from China on Llorente, and Pochettino will be having his fingers crossed a Super League side do make a move.