La Liga giants Atletico Madrid have reportedly tabled an offer for Tottenham Hotspur defender Emerson Royal.
As per a report in Football Insider, La Liga giants Atletico Madrid have tabled an offer to sign Tottenham Hotspur defender Emerson Royal in the summer transfer window. The Rojiblancos see the Brazilian defender as a replacement for Kieran Trippier, who joined Newcastle United in January.
The 23-year-old Brazilian defender does not feature in Antonio Conte’s plans going forward, and Spurs are reportedly ready to let him go just a year after signing him from La Liga heavyweights Barcelona. Matt Doherty was Emerson’s competitor for the right-back spot at Tottenham, but neither of them has been able to convince Conte.
The north Londoners are thus looking to sign a right wing-back this summer and have been linked with a move for Middlesbrough’s Djed Spence. The English full-back spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Nottingham Forest and helped them gain promotion to the Premier League. Middlesbrough and Spurs are currently involved in negotiations, with the 21-year-old keen on a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
With Spurs ready to sell at least one of their right-backs, Atletico Madrid have stepped in and made an offer for Emerson. The Rojiblancos were also planning a possible loan move for the former Barcelona defender, but Tottenham seemingly want a permanent deal and have quoted a price of over £20 million.
There is little clarity over the sum Atletico Madrid have offered to Tottenham, but Spurs will want to minimise their loss on a player who they signed for £25.8 million last summer. The Brazilian international has been a disappointment in England and will want to resurrect his career with a return to Spain.
Emerson played just over two seasons in La Liga, representing Real Betis and Barcelona. The 23-year-old made 79 appearances for the Verdiblancos, scoring five times and assisting 10 goals. He also played three matches for the Blaugrana before joining Tottenham in last year’s summer transfer window.
Though the 23-year-old was a regular for Tottenham at the start and end of the recently-concluded season, making 41 appearances across all competitions, the arrival of a new right-back will significantly cut down on his game-time in north London. Perhaps a return to Spain is best suited for all parties involved.
