Conte, Paratici facing major regret as Tottenham loan star already ‘adding magic’ at new club
Tottenham transfer chief Fabio Paratici and boss Antonio Conte are facing the prospect of a major error on their watch judging by Bryan Gil’s early start to life at new club Valencia.
The Spain attacker was allowed to head back to his homeland on loan on transfer deadline day in a move that surprised many. Indeed, Gil joined Dele Alli, Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso in exiting the club on the final day of the January window.
Gil burst onto the scene with his impressive performances on loan at Eibar last season.
That prompted Spurs to agree to a swap deal involving Erik Lamela, with Gil’s parent club Sevilla also receiving £22million.
The move looked to a real coup for Paratici and Conte, with Gil already having four Spain caps to his name.
However, the 20-year-old failed to find the net in the first half of the season. That led to Conte recently admitting that Gil is not yet physical enough to cope with the demands of English football.
Spurs are way, though, that Gil is a talent and have not agreed a loan to buy option with Valencia. But it will be frustrating that the winger has made an excellent start to life at the Mestalla.
Gil turning heads at Valencia
Gil has already played a full 90 minutes twice for the Spanish side. He featured in their Copa del Rey quarter-final win over Cadiz last week, as well as Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Real Sociedad.
Despite not scoring, he is already said to have wowed fans with his vision and close control. Indeed, El Desmarque stated that Gil has ‘added magic’ to the team.
Tottenham fans will certainly be questioning the decision to let the player go. However, it could turn out to be a huge positive if Gil retruns a better and more confident player.
Lille agree to Botman exit
Meanwhile, Lille have hinted that they have agreed to let Newcastle and Tottenham target Sven Botman leave the Ligue 1 club this summer.
Botman was a target for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle in the January transfer window. However, they could not get the Dutch ace to St James’ Park. Instead the Geordies added Brighton’s Dan Burn to their ranks in a £13m deal.
But the club remain interested in the 22-year-old and Botman was recently named by the Mirror as someone Newcastle would pursue next time round. That has since been corroborated by the Athletic (via Goal), who reveal Newcastle are making moves.
They state Newcastle are ‘already drawing up plans’ to add Botman to their ranks.
A reported offer worth £33.4m was rejected for Botman in January. Common sense would dictate a bid of at least that amount will be required in the summer.
However, The Telegraph are claiming that Spurs have joined the race, which may push up the asking price.
Football director Fabio Paratici is said to be surveying young defenders. Antonio Conte utilises a 3-4-3 formation and his current options look threadbare.
Botman set for summer exit
Lille are unlikely to stand in the way of Botman in the summer and Lille president Olivier Letang has hinted that a deal has been agreed to let him move on in the summer.
Letang told Le Parisien via GFFN: “Sven already had opportunities to leave last summer. I told him that he wouldn’t leave and that we would discuss it again at the end of the season.
“He’s a great person. A top player who deserves to play in a club that can win the Champions League.
“If there’s something which allows everyone to be satisfied next summer, we will discuss it. It’s important to stick to your commitments.”
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