“He’d remind you of Neymar one second and Barry from the pub the next” - Tottenham fans bid farewell to forgotten star
Tottenham Hotspur fans expressed mixed emotions as they bid farewell to French midfielder Tanguy Ndombele, whose exit from the club was confirmed following a tumultuous spell in England. The former France international has had his contract with the Premier League side terminated, and will be free to join a new club from July 1.
From 2012 to 2019, Tottenham fans were privileged to witness Mousa Dembélé, one of the best box-to-box midfielders in English football due to his unique combination of technical and physical excellence. After the Belgian midfielder left the club, they sought a like-for-like replacement, and their search led them to Ndombele.
Tanguy Ndombele joined Spurs for a then club-record fee reportedly worth £55 million in 2019, leaving Olympique Lyonnais for the Premier League side. He played under Jose Mourinho at the club, and the manager publicly criticised him for his poor application in their time together.
The 27-year-old last featured for Tottenham in 2022 and played only 91 times for the club in his time there. He had loan spells at Olympique Lyonnais, Napoli, and Galatasaray, before the club decided to terminate his contract.
Ndombele was contracted to Spurs until 2025, but both parties have agreed to end his contract a year early. The reaction of the club's fans to the news highlights how polarising the Frenchman is.
A fan sent sarcastic thanks to the midfielder after his departure was confirmed, writing:
"Thanks for nothing, wishing you all the best for the rest of your career."
Another fan referred to the midfielder as a "waste" and urged the club to move on.
"Such a waste. We move. Now onto some signings…."
A fan mused on what the midfielder could have achieved at the club.
"What could have been."
Another fan simply wrote:
"Goodbye."
Ndombele last played a professional match in the colors of Galatasaray, who won the Turkish Super Lig in the 2023-24 season. He made 26 appearances across all competitions, but the club turned down the opportunity to sign him permanently for €15 million.
Tottenham join race for Ligue 1 defender - Reports
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly entered the race to sign AS Monaco right-back Vanderson as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2024-25 season. Ange Postecoglou's side are set to rival Manchester United for the Brazilian defender's signature this summer.
According to Team Talk, Spurs are looking to sign the 22-year-old full-back, who enjoyed a good season in France with Monaco. They are prepared to lose Emerson Royal, who is closing in on a move to AC Milan, and will look to sign cover for Pedro Porro.
Vanderson scored three goals in 20 league appearances for AS Monaco in Ligue 1 as he helped them secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League. He is valued at around £30 million.