Tottenham Hotspur are ready to shun their long-standing interest in Ross Barkley and chase Andre Gomes from Barcelona instead.
The Sun reports that Spurs are ready to rekindle their interest in the Portuguese midfielder (the club chased him in the summer), during the winter transfer window and go back with a bid.
The 24-year-old was signed by the Catalans as a long-term replacement for Andres Iniesta but has failed to live up to his potential. Much of it is due to the fact that he couldn’t move out of the shadow of Iniesta and hasn’t picked up any game to showcase his potential.
With the Catalans looking for midfield replacements in the market, it looks like Gomes’ time at Nou Camp is nearing its end. He was looking for a loan move in the summer window but the Catalans did not sanction a move on the deadline day as they could not find a replacement.
Tottenham were interested in signing Gomes on a quick deal in the final couple of days leading to the deadline day but were left frustrated with no positive response from the Catalans. However, with no visible sign of improvement in his position at Camp Nou, Gomes might be open to a move in the January window.
Where does that leave Spurs’ chase of Barkley? There is no doubt that the Everton midfielder was a prime target for Mauricio Pochettino. Be it for being an England international or for his age or for his unfulfilled potential – Barkley was a constant name discussed by Tottenham chiefs.
However, the Toffees were reluctant to do business at nothing other than their own unpractical terms. There is no sign that it could change in January, although Barkley would be available for free next summer. This means Tottenham could be open to looking at Gomes.
Interesting, isn’t it? Should Tottenham go for a cheaper option in Barkley? Or chase Gomes instead? Or, should they be going for both? Whatever it is, January window already promises to be interesting.
https://youtu.be/kAe-S91_WIE
There is every sign that the Barkley situation will change in January, they are hardly going to still insist on £30m are they? He will have 6 months left on his contract and already be able to sign a pre-contract for the following summer. They will be lucky to get £15m for him. More like £10m. As for Gomes I can see us going for both players and shipping out Sissoko.
In what way is Barkley a ‘star’? he barely knows where the goal is. He provides little in the way of assists. Ah, he is another ‘prospect’ isn’t he? Hardly a star then. Maybe a deeper midfield role? Who cares? £20 million for potential. We already have that.