Tottenham transfer news: Pochettino refuses to rule out moves for Barcelona duo
Mauricio Pochettino got a chance to see Andre Gomes and Rafinha up close on Saturday for Barcelona, and it’s possible Tottenham may move for them both.
Regular observers of Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino understand his press conferences are frequently more about what he doesn’t say than what he actually says. That’s why his refusal to rule out transfer moves for Rafinha and Andre Gomes may have spoken volumes yesterday.
Spurs fans are still anxiously awaiting signs of life from their club in the transfer market. The club have been linked with both Barcelona attackers at various points this summer. Some might consider Ernesto Valverde’s decision to include both in this weekend’s starting XI as an obvious move to increase Tottenham’s interest in the pair.
After all, both are surplus to requirements for the La Liga giants. The recent acquisition of Malcom has pushed Rafinha even further out on to the edges of the squad. Gomes has been one of the biggest flops in the club’s history after arriving from Porto. It’s no secret Barcelona would be happy to see both players leave this summer.
The obvious question is whether or not Tottenham have any need for them. The answer on Gomes is almost certainly no. He’s a classy player when he has time and space on the ball, but his lack of athleticism will remind Spurs fans of Fernando Llorente. He’s that immobile in terms of playing in the central midfield.
Rafinha, however, could be an interesting purchase for Spurs. He’s fully recovered from the knee injury that cost him almost a full 12 months of football prior to last season. The Brazilian may not be talented enough to boost Barcelona’s attacking corps, but he could do a job for Pochettino’s club. If the price is right, it’s easy to see Tottenham making a late move to bring him to North London next week.
It’s also distinctly possible that Pochettino has zero interest in either player. He generally prefers to buy younger players he can mold into his ideal football player. Both Gomes and Rafinha have more experience than the average Spurs incoming transfer. Last year’s purchase of Lucas Moura might signal a sea change in the club’s transfer policy, but it’s too early to tell.
Next. Tottenham may prefer Lucas to Zaha. dark
Tottenham fans shouldn’t be surprised to see rumours of the club’s interest in Gomes and Rafinha pop up again this week. If Pochettino really wanted either player, he certainly wouldn’t admit it to the media. It’s a situation worth watching as the transfer deadline approaches.