Emerson-Royal-in-action-for-Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur insider John Wenham has suggested that Emerson Royal could be sold this summer as a result of not being a homegrown player.
The Lowdown: Spurs reject Atletico offer
The Brazilian first made the move to the Premier League when he joined the Lilywhites from Barcelona last summer, making 44 appearances across all competitions in his debut season in N17.
Despite the 23-year-old still having a solid four years remaining on his contract though, the right-back has recently been linked with a move away from the English top-flight, with Atletico Madrid interested in signing him this window.
Football Insider reported earlier this week that the Spanish giants had tabled an offer for the defender after hearing that Antonio Conte would be willing to let him leave, but the opening proposal was rejected by Spurs, as per Sky Sports.
The Latest: Wenham’s exit claim
Speaking to Football Insider, Wenham claimed that Emerson would be let go by Tottenham this window due to his non-homegrown status complicating squad registration next season. He said: “I feel a bit sorry for Emerson.
“Towards the end of the season, he actually did really, really well. He contributed to us finishing in the top four.
“The issue for him is that he is Brazilian and doesn’t count as homegrown or anything like that. The issue with that is, if it is between him and Matt Doherty who needs to be sold, it will be him.
“It’s unlucky, it really is unlucky. I hate to say it but that’s just how it is. There are reports saying Atletico are interested.
“That is one to watch in the coming days.”
The Verdict: Not in the long-term vision
With Middlesbrough starlet Djed Spence closing in on a move to Spurs, it’s likely that he would be Conte’s first-choice right-back over Emerson, so an exit could be the best option for both parties.
The Sao Paulo-born talent, who was once hailed an ‘incredible’ player by club correspondent Alasdair Gold, doesn’t have the attacking ability down the flank that the Italian boss looks for in his wing-backs, having only provided one assist all last campaign, compared to Spence’s five.
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Tottenham definitely won’t want to let Emerson go for a significant loss, but the interest in Spence proves he isn’t part of Conte’s long-term plan, and therefore, a departure is very much likely to be on the cards.
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