Tottenham Hotspur have been rocked in their pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore, with the Midlands outfit now demanding £50 million for his services, making a move to N17 extremely doubtful [The Athletic].
The Lowdown: Traore one of the Premier League’s most unique players
The 5 foot 10 beast has evolved into one of the most dangerous attacking properties in the Premier League in recent years, even despite his lack of end product.
Starting off 2021/22 in inspired fashion, Traore has completed an incredible average of 9.3 dribbles per fixture in the English top-flight, combining his truly unique combination of pace, control and strength [WhoScored].
Earning praise from high-places for his exploits, he was labelled as “unplayable” by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp in June 2020 [Mirror].
The Latest: Tottenham ‘very unlikely’ to sign Traore
In a crushing blow to reported suitors Tottenham, his current employers are believed to be looking for a fee of £50 million before even considering negotiations [The Athletic].
The publication has claimed that any prospective switch is ‘very unlikely’ to happen, despite the player previously being reported to be pushing for a move to North London [90Min].
There were even claims last week a fee was agreed, but unless significant movement occurs in the final hours before the deadline, Traore looks set to remain a Wolves player for the time being.
The Verdict: Blow for Nuno Espirito Santo
Late on in the window, losing out on someone of Traore’s quality will come as a bitter blow to the Spurs hierarchy.
Lacking depth on the right flank, the 25-year-old could’ve been an ideal foil to supply talisman Harry Kane from wide, alongside providing an out-ball on the counter-attack.
Since moving to Wolves from Middlesbrough in 2018, Traore has excelled, registering 28 goal contributions in 135 games; 10 goals and 18 assists [Transfermarkt] – imaging what those numbers could look like if he puts it all together as he enters his prime.
Nuno Espirito Santo would no doubt have imagined re-kindling his fruitful relationship with the pacey wide-man at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season. Now looking set to fall by the wayside, the Lilywhites will need to pick themselves up quickly as they move on to other priorities with just hours left in the transfer window.
In other news, Fabrizio Romano has given a massive update on a reported Spurs transfer target. Find out more here.