Tottenham have not signed Bolivian youngster Julio Cesar Torres on a pre-contract despite quotes and pictures emerging in his homeland to suggest that, according to a reliable journalist.
Football London correspondent Alasdair Gold reported on his personal Twitter account on Monday night that he’s been told speculation the 21-year-old is heading to north London is wide of the mark.
Have seen stories and a photo floating around of a young Bolivian player signing for Spurs to join the development squad. I understand it's a load of rubbish. Reminds me of the Wilmar Barrios done deal stories in each of the last two windows.
— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) March 18, 2019
This comes after Bolivian news outlet El Dia reported that Torres will play for Spurs’ reserves side during a 15-day trial next month and his agent Gonzalo Anciar suggested a deal had been done.
“We followed up on Julio and we put together a folder that specifies his technical, tactical, physical and psychological skills, which we presented to sport entrepreneurs. In the first instance, he was interested in Valladolid in Spain, but a French businessman came in contact with Tottenham and we signed a pre-contract,” Anciar told El Dia.
“We have to be in England on April 28 so that for 15 days Julio can do all the analysis, which will depend on him staying, the businessman is taking care of the stay and will continue to do so if Julio stays to stay.”
OPINION
It appears this could be a classic case of an agent using the name and prestige of an elite Premier League club to increase the profile of his little-known client. This is far from uncommon, particularly in south American countries where representatives are desperate to find a pathway that will take their player to the riches and glamour of England’s top flight. Gold’s information appears to have comes from his contacts at Spurs, and he is very emphatic about it. That’s no reason for angst from Tottenham fans who have been baffled by the club’s lack of transfer activity since signing Lucas Moura in January of last year. It’s almost impossible to find anything out about Torres, so low is his profile. Gold compares this apparent pursuit with the Wilmar Barrios speculation, but at least the Colombia international is a proven star for club and country, and has a track record that demands respect.