OPINION
Mauricio Pochettino would be making the worst signing in Tottenham’s history if he signs West Brom attacker Oliver Burke next year.
The Sun on Sunday reported in their print edition [Sunday October 14, page 61] last month that Spurs had been scouting Burke, 21, even though he has failed to make much of an impact in the Baggies’ first team in his first year and a half in the Black Country.
Since joining West Brom for £15million from RB Leipzig last summer, the Scotland international has made just 21 appearances in all competitions and has only played three times in the Championship for Darren Moore this season.
The latest of his appearances came when he appeared off the bench for the last few minutes of West Brom’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Friday night, but even though it was a rare chance to impress, the Scottish flop was absolutely dire.
Burke is supposed to be known for his pace but had little impact coming off the bench.
Matt Phillips was moved to right-back to accommodate him but the ex-QPR star had more of an impact from the defence as he assisted Albion’s last-minute equaliser while Burke was nowhere to be seen.
Burke has been an expensive flop for West Brom, having cost them £15million in 2017.
According to statistics website Spotrac, he earns £30,000-a-week as well.
Tottenham have to be looking at signing better quality players than Burke, especially considering the fact that the Sun claims West Brom are ready to cash in on him.
At best, the winger is a bottom-half Championship player but even the Express & Star has reported a loan move to League One is on the cards for January.
Pochettino has other priorities next year with Toby Alderweireld and Mousa Dembele’s contracts running out.
Spending money on Burke would be an abysmal piece of business by the North London club and it would surely go down as the worst in the club’s 136-year history.