Journalist Michael Bridge has claimed that Spurs may have to ‘bite the bullet’ and send Tanguy Ndombele on loan once again this summer.
Ndombele was out of favour at Spurs in the first half of the season as he featured just nine times in the Premier League before Antonio Conte thought it was best for the French midfielder to join Olympique Lyon on loan for the remainder of the season.
The 25-year-old has a clause in the current deal with Lyon that if the club want to sign him on a permanent deal, they can pay Spurs £54m in the summer.
As Ndombele has featured just seven times in Ligue 1 since January, Bridge has claimed to GiveMeSport that Lyon may not be willing to offer Tottenham the money that they require in the summer.
He said: “The one I’m worried about is Ndombele. I think they could find it hard to get rid of him permanently. I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re talking in August, and he’s still around.
“Because, I don’t see Lyon paying that money. That loan deal where they can buy him for about £50m. I remember at the time saying: ‘Lyon haven’t got that money’. That’s madness. So, he’ll need to do a lot to convince Lyon to pay.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s here in August. Tottenham might have to just bite the bullet again and loan him out.”
TIF Thoughts on Michael Bridge’s comments…
Ndombele has had a frustrating time since he arrived in England, as he featured 35 times in the Premier League last term but managed to score just three goals and register two assists in what turned out to be a disappointing season for Spurs as they finished 7th in the league.
With the struggles of Ndombele this season, it is hard to see a club offering anywhere near £54m for his services because he is yet to prove that he is worth that price tag, so he may have to remain at Spurs and fight for his place in the side or have another spell out on loan as Bridge predicts.
That may mean a headache for chairman Daniel Levy, as missing out on such a windfall may affect their capabilities in the upcoming window – but it remains to be seen what the future holds for Ndombele at Spurs.