Fernando Llorente could return to Tottenham this summer

According to a report from ESPN, veteran striker Fernando Llorente could be set for a summer return to Tottenham Hotspur, as the club eyes backup options for star forward Harry Kane.

The 35-year-old Llorente joined Tottenham in the summer of 2017 from Swansea City. The Spaniard largely played backup to Kane in his two years at the club. After making 66 appearances for Spurs, in which he netted 13 goals, the striker left last summer, joining Napoli on a free transfer.

Llorente started out positively in Naples, but injuries and fitness issues have meant he has hardly been involved in second half of the campaign. In 24 appearances across all competitions, the former Spanish international has scored four goals and set up one more.

In spite of that, Tottenham are now considering re-signing the veteran forward. It is no secret that a lack of cover for Harry Kane upfront hurt us big time in the recently concluded campaign.

The England captain’s injury in January saw him being sidelined for a considerable amount of time. And the team’s form dipped drastically during this period. Having let go of both Llorente and Vincent Janssen in the last summer, the club was left with no cover in the striker’s position.

That is something that Jose Mourinho and Daniel Levy must address at the earliest. Heading into the next season, the club cannot make the same mistake. To that end, the club are now looking at the possibility of bringing back Llorente.

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However, that may not be the smartest move from the club. Llorente has hardly kicked a ball in almost four months. And at 35, he is in the final phase of his career. Sure, he made some valuable contributions during his time in London.

But we need someone who is capable of replicating Harry’s effectiveness during his absence. Llorente, in this stage of his career, is not the answer.