Sporting CP may plot a move to bring former academy star Eric Dier back to the club as the defender winds down his Tottenham career.
According to The Times, Sporting CP are plotting a move to bring Eric Dier back to the club. The 29-year-old Tottenham utility man does not have a future under Ange Postecoglou, as Spurs might ponder a cut-price sale in the January transfer window to avoid letting the experienced player leave for free next summer.
It is a mystery how an experienced player like Eric Dier did not move out of Spurs when it became clear the club wanted him out. The 29-year-old Tottenham utility man has no future under Ange Postecoglou, who has ignored his experience and continued to keep him away from the pitch.
Tottenham were ready to sell and cash in on the 29-year-old during the summer. Some reports claimed Dier was also offered to Bayern Munich, but the Germans did not fancy signing the experienced defender to bolster their squad.
Spurs had hoped the 29-year-old held some value in the market to fetch them a decent fee in return. Like him, they also failed to offload several other players, but it appears Dier is ready to leave in January. His contract expires next summer, meaning Tottenham will have only one window left to fetch some money.
Now, former club Sporting CP are keen to take Dier back to the club in January. The Portuguese giants could make a reduced offer in that window as opposed to signing him on a free next summer. The 29-year-old Tottenham utility man also has a fantastic relationship with Sporting president Federico Varandas, with the pair going back many years when the supremo was the club doctor.
Dier joined the Sporting Academy at age eight, and barring a loan spell to the Everton Under-18 side, the 29-year-old has played senior football for only two clubs. Hence, it may seem like a full circle for Dier if he returns to Lisbon.
Sporting are not alone in the chase, as AS Roma also hold an interest. The presence of former manager Jose Mourinho would entice Dier to try out Italy, which may prove Sporting’s biggest obstacle in this pursuit.
However, the Portuguese club have their cards to play, and the offer of an immediate escape route out of Tottenham may prove decisive for Sporting. Dier will have plenty of options heading into January, and some of those interested clubs may have a bigger pedigree than Sporting.
