On the latest episode of The View from The Lane podcast for The Athletic, Jack Pitt-Brooke, James Maw and Charlie Eccleshare have been discussing Tottenham Hotspur’s recent transfer business and reflecting on the first three released episodes of the ‘All or Nothing’ documentary.
Jose Mourinho’s side completed the signing of Matt Doherty from Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier in the transfer window (per BBC Sport), and although those on the podcast were complimentary of the signing, it seems as if they believe he was not the number one choice right-back for the Portuguese manager this summer.
The North London club were linked with a move for former PSG ace Thomas Meunier earlier this year, before the Belgian international completed a free transfer to Borussia Dortmund, and it seems as if Maw believes he might have been the Lilywhites’ number one target at right-back.
Here’s what he had to say on the podcast:
“When Spurs were linked with Meunier before his contract ran out before the restart and we were talking about that and you can see why he was a perfect fit, it kind of feels like Doherty might have just been the next one down that list, if you know what I mean.”
TIF Thoughts…
Last season in Ligue 1, Meunier, who is now valued at £21.6 million (as per Transfermarkt), made 16 appearances for PSG, managing two assists which saw him average a solid 6.95 rating (per WhoScored). However, in the Champions League, the 28-year-old made five appearances, which saw him average an impressive 7.08 rating. Doherty, meanwhile, made 36 appearances in the English top-flight in 2019/20, contributing four goals and three assists, earning a solid 6.99 rating.
Who would you rather have signed?
Meunier
Doherty
Therefore, although Doherty comes with Premier League experience, you can see why Maw believes that Meunier may have been Spurs’ first-choice at right-back, considering his strong average rating from the Champions League last season, as well as the fact that he would have been available on a free transfer.