Tottenham are unlikely to secure Thomas Lemar in January
Thomas Lemar might have the ability to help Tottenham at the moment, but it’s unlikely he’ll move from Atletico Madrid to Spurs this month.
Tottenham are on the hunt for attacking reinforcements in January, but Spurs fans shouldn’t get too excited about the idea of signing Thomas Lemar. The chances of the enigmatic Frenchman plying his trade for Jose Mourinho iin January are very small.
Atletico manager Diego Simeone is certainly willing to let his winger lead. Per The Mirror, Lemar isn’t necessarily a part of the La Liga club’s long-term plans. Simeone hasn’t given up on the idea that Lemar can impact his first team this season, but also freely admits that a January departure could be possible.
Unfortunately, Atletico officials are not prepared to take a loss on the substantial fee they paid Monaco for Lemar’s services. Tottenham are not prepared to pay upwards of £50 million for a player who is currently sidelined due to injury. Even when Lemar has been fit this season he’s failed to complete a full 90 minutes under Simeone’s watchful eye.
If Atletico were prepared to sell Lemar and accept a steep loss then the move could make a lot of sense for Spurs. However, Jose Mourinho and company will not make such a distressed asset their biggest purchase of the winter. If Tottenham do spend big money for one player, it has to be someone who can be an unquestioned member of Mourinho’s starting XI. Lemar does not fit that description.
If Spurs do want to acquire Lemar in January it will almost certainly be via a loan with an option to purchase. That type of arrangement would give Lemar a chance to get healthy and Mourinho a significant period of time to evaluate the player. An extended loan would greatly mitigate the potential risk assumed by Tottenham.
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In the end, Spurs fans should keep an eye on Lemar’s status over the next several weeks, but no one should get their hopes up about a big money move for the Frenchman. The odds are stacked against him playing for Tottenham this season.