Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly reigniting their interest in Inter Milan midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia in the January transfer window.
According to reports in Sky Sports, the Lilywhites believe that their long-term target has improved his form at Valencia and hence want him as a long-term replacement for Mousa Dembele.
Two questions in this – 1) A replacement for Dembele? and 2) Why Kondogbia?
The first one is simple as the Belgian midfielder has entered into the final 18 months of his contract. I am not saying that Dembele is looking for a way out or the club is trying to look at alternatives. It is just a view of the club that Dembele’s position warrants a long-term candidate.
When he is fit and playing, Dembele is one of the best in the league. However, there lies the challenge; the Belgian often spends more time injured.
So, why Kondogbia? The 24-year-old has been our target for a long time now. Even during his time at Monaco, Spurs were regular admirers. But, the French midfielder snubbed the chance of signing for us and instead joined Inter Milan in 2015. He signed a five-year contract with Inter and made 43 starts in two seasons in the Serie A.
Kondogbia couldn’t establish himself at the Milan club and was deemed as surplus to requirements when Luciano Spalletti arrived in the summer. He went to Valencia on loan and that, in hindsight, is looking like a masterstroke.
Valencia are the surprise package of this season and are pushing Barcelona at the top of La Liga. I know it looks like a slight exaggeration but Valencia’s success has been due to the exploits of Kondogbia, at least partially.
So, will he sign for Tottenham? There is no doubt that the Frenchman is far better a player than what the La Liga portrays Kondogbia to be! It won’t be a surprise because Tottenham’s interest in the combative midfielder is because he is an ideal fit.
What do you think? Will Kondogbia be signed for the club or is it just a rumour?
