The Raya stuff is likely all just games anyway. If we take it at face value he’s really our first choice and they’re not budging on the fee or dicking around in the negotiations or whatever, then of course you go off and make a load of noise about exploring other options. No shame in trying to force their hand especially when the player has already said he would prefer to leave and no other clubs appear to be that advanced with him. Personally I’m not too bothered about waiting it out as long as the big 3 incomings (starting GK, CB and 8) are in before we head off on tour. Sooner the better of course but that’s probably the deadline we’d have in mind.
Apparently he isn't great (with his feet) from what I've read, meant to be a good shot stopper. Though I can't personally confirm any of that as I've never seen him play. YouTube comps do somewhat confirm that though. It's a weird move to say the least. He's only a year younger than Raya, doesn't have much top flight experience (granted Raya doesn't either but he's Prem proven and HG), isn't known for his ball playing ability which is something Ange would surely want and so you can't help but feel it's just a typical Tottenham (Levy) move by looking for a cheaper alternative. Don't get me wrong, maybe this guy's the second coming of Oblak with his shot stopping ability but considering Raya wants us, is Prem proven, HG and stylistically the right fit for Ange... there's definitely an air of disappointment should this go through and Raya ends up elsewhere.
Various twitter twats are claiming that we've agreed a €20m deal for Vicario with Empoli. We'll see, I guess.
There was an interesting theory from Lilywhite Rose (I think it was them, anyway...) a day or two ago where the suggestion was that bringing in Raya meant we'd look to bring in a non-HG CB, while bringing in Vicario/Mamardashvili/whoever would see us bring in a HG CB TLDR: the theory says Raya & Tapsoba, or Vicario & Kilman
Tapsoba looks an interesting player. I can’t pretend to have watched any of him apart from the usual YouTube comps, but I did some reading about Alonso’s Leverkusen side when he was briefly linked with us as a manager option. Tapsoba is right footed but ends up operating in what would be the LCB position mostly because of some funky things Alonso does with his team in possession. So - seems good technically, good athlete, comfortable on either side. He seems to make a lot of sense.
The obvious point is it would be nice to see a GK having a worldie in our goalmouth for a change, as opposed to the opposition goalmouth as is standard
What I like about this thread is that even though I have him on ignore, it allows me to measure precisely when the nurses let Munse out for his afternoon walk.
I have mixed feelings about this. The cynic in me (let's be honest, after so long supporting Spurs it is basically my only discernible characteristic) takes one long at the price and chuckles at the imminent arrival of Rodon Mk.II, signed in a panic because we baulked at the price for our top choice who was clearly Raya. But I suppose the flicker of optimism is how quickly we've moved on from that deal. For reasons I might not personally agree with, the deal collapsed. Instead of the usual pissing about for an entire summer, we've put it firmly in the rear mirror and have moved on to other targets. That much I can respect. But still nervous about this one especially given how hard it is to fill the GK slot successfully.
In all honesty i have never seen him or even heard of him, could be an absolute world beater but before the season starts it's good for a laugh
