---
title: "Tottenham Hotspur: Callum Flatman explains why he chose Hearts over Spurs summer move"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/callum-flatman-explains-tottenham-snub-hearts/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Premier League"
published: "2020-10-24T10:40:14Z"
modified: "2020-10-24T10:40:14Z"
---

# Tottenham Hotspur: Callum Flatman explains why he chose Hearts over Spurs summer move

**Speaking to the [Edinburgh Evening News](https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts/new-hearts-signing-explains-why-he-chose-tynecastle-over-spurs-3011756), promising talent Callum Flatman has explained why he opted to remain at Hearts over a summer switch to Tottenham and Hotspur Way, despite his family [‘rooting’](https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts/new-hearts-signing-explains-why-he-chose-tynecastle-over-spurs-3011756) for a move down south.**

Flatman, who recently graduated from the Jambos’ Riccarton youth setup, went for a week’s trial at Spurs to test out the supposed lofty heights of a Premier League academy, staying in north London for a brief period.

### Why Flatman rejected Spurs

The 16-year-old, who opened up to the [Edinburgh Evening News](https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts/new-hearts-signing-explains-why-he-chose-tynecastle-over-spurs-3011756) over his time spent across the border, has now revealed that he had the chance to join the Lilywhites once his trial ended, but opted to stay at Tynecastle as a likelier pathway to gaining first team football.

Indeed, as explained by Flatman, he signed his first professional contract with Hearts and has already featured for the reserves, a feat which could have taken years in the Tottenham setup. At an English club, for instance, players cannot sign a proper deal until turning 18, with a scholarship needed at first before going on to play for the under-23s in a bid to climb the ladder.

That is a lengthy process given the size of that particular age group, and Flatman could have been waiting a long time for any chance of making Jose Mourinho’s first team. Even though his family were ‘rooting’ for a bigger club, they eventually realised his interests could be best served at the Jambos, especially since he is now a professional player.

### Transfer Tavern take

An up-and-coming starlet, it remains to be seen whether missing out on Flatman will be a huge future blow for Spurs and Mourinho in years to come.

Nonetheless, taking into account the [plethora of precocious graduates](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11675/12037362/japhet-tanganga-tottenham-defender-signs-new-five-year-deal) coming through at Enfield, the future certainly looks bright for Tottenham in that regard.

***In other news, Tottenham look set to offload [this](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-hotspur-news/gedson-fernandes-set-for-benfica-return/) 2020 signing after a ‘difficult’ time. Let us know what you think in the comments section below…***