Football finance expert Kieran Maguire believes that ENIC’s reported plans to invest in Belgian club Standard Liege could be hugely beneficial for Tottenham.
The lowdown: ENIC considering Standard Liege investment
Earlier this month, Belgian football journalist Sacha Tavolieri tweeted that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has been in talks with Standard Liege chief Bruno Venanzi over the establishment of a partnership between the two clubs.
Venanzi intends to sell his shares in the Jupiler Pro Leagye outfit and Tottenham’s ENIC ownership are reportedly the closest to taking over the shares, a move which could lead to Standard Liege become a feeder club for Spurs.
The latest: Maguire approves of proposed Spurs-Liege partnership
Speaking to Football Insider about the reported link-up, Maguire thinks that it could be a shrewd move from ENIC in terms of establishing formal links between Tottenham and Standard Liege.
[freshpress-quiz id=”375567″]
He said: “I’ve heard from agents that Brexit is going to have a more detrimental effect on the English game than Covid. The reason is that it will be longer term in nature.
“By having a relationship with another club which can recruit players at the age of 16 is beneficial. It means they can continue to recruit from the European talent pool.
“By having synergies, like we have seen with the City football group, there is not a culture change when these young players arrive.
“I think this makes a lot of sense from ENIC. It think it would be hugely beneficial for Spurs in the long run.”
The verdict: Partnership could help Spurs
As Maguire points out, there are already some clear partnerships between English clubs and those on the continent, such as Manchester City’s links with the likes of Girona and Chelsea often sending players on loan to Vitesse Arnhem. The Red Bull chain as seen with players moving from Salzburg to Leipzig is another prime example.
The establishment of a formal partnership between Tottenham and Standard Liege could benefit Spurs two-fold. Aside from having a clear connection to potentially snap up promising talent from Belgium, the north London club could also utilise the loan market to send young or fringe players to Liege for a greater chance of gaining senior game-time before returning to N17.
It should be interesting to see if ENIC invest in the Belgian club, and the potential effects that could have on Tottenham.
In other news: John Wenham has expressed his delight over another off-field partnership involving Spurs
About the Author
