Tottenham Hotspur look poised to make their third signing of the season, with multiple outlets claiming a deal has been agreed with Marseille for Georges-Kevin Nkoudou.
The 21-year-old has only played one full season with L’OM, but broke into the French Under-21 squad last season. According to The Guardian, the deal could be worth as much as £11m – not bad for a player who cost Marseille barely one tenth of that when he joined from Nantes.
But some fans remain unconvinced by the youngster’s potential. Not based on something as trivial as watching him play, but purely down to his nationality and club history.
How did our last 3 French League signings work out? // #THFC sign £11m Georges-Kévin Nkoudou https://t.co/bJOJ5el08u pic.twitter.com/K8KfRLbGMD
— Zahid (@bigwelsh) July 17, 2016
A bit random though and our last three French signings have been terrible.
— Usman (@UsmanAhmad_iam) July 17, 2016
https://twitter.com/JocularJxhn/status/754610667076943872
The last three players to join Tottenham from Ligue 1 may have struggled, but there are mitigating circumstances for all of them.
Etienne Capoue was a victim of the post-Bale splurge and has impressed since leaving for Tottenham.
Benjamin Stambouli was not expected to be a first choice, and earned a move to Paris Saint-Germain after quitting White Hart Lane.
And, finally, Clinton N’Jie struggled with injuries last season and (let’s not forget) is still at the club.
Oh, and there’s the small matter of the last player to join Tottenham from a Ligue 1 club before those three – club captain and French international skipper Hugo Lloris.
Mauricio Pochettino doesn’t exactly have a bad track record when it comes to bringing through young players, and at least some Spurs fans have faith in his ability to deliver.
Anybody ever actually seen Nkoudou play? I trust Poch and Mitchell; if they want him, so do I. #COYS
— David, The Pain of Spurs is Forever (@SpursTTID1882) July 17, 2016
https://twitter.com/Corbit_THFC/status/754636146811043840
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