Napoli are reportedly keen on signing Tottenham Hotspur loanee Tanguy Ndombele on a permanent deal.
According to Calciomercato, Serie A giants SSC Napoli are interested in landing Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tanguy Ndombele on a permanent deal next summer.
The Frenchman was Spurs’ record signing in 2019 but has failed to live up to the expectations. Ndombele scored on his debut but failed to kick on and has looked woefully out of place in North London.
He was sent out on loan to former club Olympique Lyonnais in January but did not turn over any trees in Ligue 1. It is a different story this time around with him playing an impressive role for Napoli as they push for the Scudetto and the UEFA Champions League.
While one goal and one assist in 11 appearances across all competitions do not really inspire confidence, Ndombele’s performances on the field have shown otherwise. Luciano Spalletti and co. appear to have seen enough to make up their mind about the midfielder and are keen to keep him on.
One can argue that Ndombele is paying his €1 million loan fee with interest given his performance on the field. Napoli have the option to make the deal permanent next summer for €30 million, a reasonable price should the Frenchman keep up his form.
Possessing athleticism and the physicality to dominate proceedings, Ndombele has impressed in Serie A and appears to be showing more faith in his abilities. The less intense and slower nature of football in Serie A suits him to a tee and staying on could prove to be the best decision.
It is difficult to see what Ndombele can achieve should he return to Tottenham. He has never looked the part in white and at 25, should be playing week in and week out. The season is still young, and there is a long way to go. Should he keep up the same levels, Napoli will have little reason to not land the Frenchman permanently.
Tottenham thought they were getting a dominant presence in the middle of the park when they splashed the cash in 2019. That was not to be. If early signs show us something, it is that Napoli could be the beneficiary of a player who appears to have rediscovered his mojo.
