Tottenham Hotspur cannot be ruled out of signing Adama Traoré this summer.
That is according to Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking to This is Futbol about Spurs’ potential transfer business ahead of the new season.
The Lilywhites have frequently been linked with a move for the Spanish speedster over the past year, but various circumstances have prevented the move from happening.
Wolves may have thought they were set to bag £29m for Traoré in January after sending the 26-year-old out on loan to Barcelona in the winter transfer window, with the La Liga side having the option to buy for the aforementioned price.
However, the Catalan giants didn’t take up the buy option and Traoré is now back at Molineux with just one year remaining on his contract with Bruno Lage’s side.
But O’Rourke would not rule out a move to Spurs for the eight-time Spain international this summer.
He said: “I wouldn’t rule this out.
“As we know, Spurs have held a long-term interest in Adama Traoré [and] were disappointed they didn’t sign him last January when he went to Barcelona.
“Obviously, that move to Barcelona didn’t work out for Traoré, so he’s now back at Wolves.”
TIF Thoughts on O’Rourke’s comments…
We believe that Fabio Paratici and Daniel Levy should only be making a move for Traoré – who Nuno Espirito Santo called a ‘top player’ – if he is available at an exceptionally cheap price this transfer window. Otherwise, we think they should wait until they can sign the winger for free next summer.
Despite previously being described as “unplayable” by Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, the winger has failed to hit the heights of his successful 2019/20 season over the past two campaigns, scoring just one goal and providing four assists across spells at Wolves and Barcelona last term, according to Transfermarkt.
Therefore, we believe that the club should look for more suitable targets both out wide and at wing-back this summer.
I’ve wanted us to sign Traore for ages. He may not be able to score or cross but when he runs through defences, there is nothing more terrifying for the opponent. It was like watching men vs boys when he played against us.
It’s pointless if you can run through defences like a hot knife through butter, if you can’t shoot or cross, is it ?!?