It’s very early days, to be sure, but Tottenham Hotspur lost their first two league games without scoring a single goal for the first time since 1974. While that is disappointing enough in itself, when you consider that Tottenham have spent £380 million ($514 million) on new players this summer transfer window, it is beyond the pale of unacceptable. Spurs broke the club record for individual player transfer fee, twice, and there is likely more spending to come before the window closes. And thus far, they have two losses and a -5 goal differential to show for it. And in adding eight new players this summer (and maybe more to come) the squad has become over-bloated. Some exits are inevitable, top balance out the roster, and manager Roberto de Zerbi named three players who want out: Richarlison, Kevin Danso and Pape Matar Sarr.
All three missed out on the 2-0 loss to Newcastle United yesterday, and De Zerbi was asked by reporter to explain their absence.
“Richarlison, I don’t know,” De Zerbi responded.
“He said too many times he wants to leave. Danso came to me two days ago and he said he wants to leave. Pape Sarr the same but he suffered a small injury, but he is almost ready to train.”
Sarr, in addition to wanting out of North London, was dealing with a hamstring injury. So let
Richarlison
According to Sky Sports, Tottenham are in advanced talks with Everton, to send the Brazilian striker back to his former club. Reportedly, the two sides are close to agreeing on a transfer fee of about £35m, but here is where the plot thickens.
The two clubs are also discussing a separate deal with Iliman Ndiaye potentially going the other way, on a fee of about £60m.
So we’ll see what happens between now and Tuesday.
Kevin Danso
Sunderland saw their loan proposal for Danso rejected, yesterday, but this narrative isn’t over yet. According to the BBC, club-to-club talks have opened up again.
There is reportedly some progress in the negotiations, but as of yet, no agreement on anything.
Pape Matar Sarr
His exit is close to being formalized; at least according to Sky Sport Italia. The report states that Juventus are close to striking a deal, which would be of the loan variety, with a €3 million fee. The arrangement would include an obligation to buy for €30 million, if certain conditions are met, such as European qualification and appearances made by Sarr.
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, Ratings and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and the Washington Post.