Reports: Tottenham star open to leaving the club this summer
What’s the rumour?
According to The Mirror, Fernando Llorente is looking to leave the club this summer. He is eyeing a move back to Athletic Bilbao at the end of the season.
In case you didn't know...
Llorente was bought by Spurs from Swansea City in August 2017 but he has struggled to get regular playing time at the club.
He has played only 15 times for them in the league this season, starting only once.
A Bilbao youth product, Llorente spent nine years at the club after coming through their ranks and in the process, made more than 300 appearances for the club and scored 111 goals.
He has a contract till 2019 at Spurs but is willing to move back to Spain.
The heart of the matter
Despite being signed as a back-up to Harry Kane, Llorente has struggled to make his mark in the Premier League for Spurs. He had to be content with appearances in the domestic cups throughout the season.
Even at times when Kane was unavailable, Pochettino has preferred to play Heung-Min Son as his striker. As a result, in a bid for regular playing time, the striker is assessing his options ahead of the summer.
As per the report, he is open to a move back to Spain if Bilbao decide to target the 33-year-old.
Rumour rating/probability - 8/10
There have been exit talks surrounding the player and ahead of the transfer window, they have intensified. It is very likely that Llorente will leave Spurs at the end of the season.
Video: The best of Llorente
Author’s take
Despite entering into the twilight of his career, Llorente still has a lot to offer and at Spurs, chances will be hard to come by because of the brilliance of Kane. As a result, it will be better for the player to look for opportunities elsewhere.