Karim Benzema and Tottenham could have been a thing, at least according to Gerard Houllier.
The former Lyon, PSG and Liverpool manager is now working as an external advisor for Lyon, and has been speaking to the French media about changes in football and how he sees the game.
Le Parisien wanted to know if Houllier thinks footballers are now too impatient, taking a move before its perhaps best for their career. Agreeing with the general sentiment, Houllier brought up an example of Benzema and Tottenham.
“Yes. Look at Benzema. At one point, Tottenham wanted to take him. He was tempted. But he and his entourage listened to me and Karim stayed in Lyon. Two years later, he signed for Real Madrid. Today, young people want money right away and to play every game.”
Benzema was linked with a move to England during his Lyon days, with Manchester United and Arsenal the sides most mentioned, but Tottenham hadn’t really been thought of as a club which almost signed him.
According to Houllier they did nearly get there, and he played an important hand in scuppering it.
Maybe Benzema would have ended up at Real Madrid anyway, just via a stint at White Hart Lane, and a huge amount of money in Tottenham’s account.
