It seems Tottenham have developed an unfortunate knack of inviting their manager Antonio Conte’s wrath time and time again. Spurs are now planning to sell one of Conte’s favourite players at the club, risking his enragement.
The player in discussion here is center-back Japhet Tanganga who is highly rated by his manager Antonio Conte. The Athletic report that Tottenham are considering selling the talented defender to balance their books.
The North Londoners have so far pulled-off half-a-dozen incomings, with just Steven Bergwijn being the only significant outgoing for £28 million.
Conte had expressed his anger towards the club in January this year for selling players without buying their replacements, this time however Tottenham have already signed Barcelona center-back Clement Lenglet on loan before deciding on the future of Tanganga.
Mass clear-out at club could see Antonio Conte’s favourite leave
Tottenham have spent an enormous amount of almost £100 million on the signings of Richarlison, Yves Bissouma, Djed Spence, Ivan Perisic, Clement Lenglet and Fraser Foster.
On the other hand, only £34 million have been earned through the sales of Bergwijn and academy product Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Tottenham are hence looking forward to sell other fringe players in Sergio Reguilon, Tanguy Ndombele, Harry Winks, Giovani Lo Celso, and new addition to the list Tanganga.
While they have replacement lined up in Lenglet, Tottenham could still given another reason for Conte to get disappointed at club’s handling of Tanganga.
The Spurs’ academy graduate has already impressed in just 43 senior appearances for the club. Though he managed only 11 Premier League games last season due to injury issues, Tanganga still delivered 1.4 tackles, 2.7 clearances, 1.4 aerial duels won per game.
He further showcased both his pressure resistant as well as pressing qualities with 12 passes under pressure and 10 presses per game, an astute factor why Conte likes the defender.
Nonetheless, Tottenham are reportedly in negotiations with Italian champions AC Milan for the transfer of Tanganga. Fabio Paratici, club’s managing director was also in Milan last week to hold talks for the 23-year-old.
The talks were dominated by discussions for a loan move of the defender since Milan are unwilling to meet Tottenham’s asking price of £17 million.
However, both the parties are ready to insert a buy option as Tottenham want to facilitate a permanent departure of their academy product. Further negotiations are expected to take place soon as Milan are busy exploring other options as well.