Without there seeming a great deal of updates, there’s been daily articles in Galicia on Pape Cheikh to Tottenham.
As Sport Witness has pointed out on more than one occasion, at least some of the Pape Cheikh to Tottenham claims feel like speculation balanced upon speculation.
And yet it’s caught the imagination in Galicia, and been welcomed with open arms. Rather than there being an annoyance that Tottenham are sniffing around a Celta Vigo youngster, it’s all been greeted excitedly.
A Wednesday article from La Voz de Galicia gives a good idea why. Firstly, it’s worth pointing out the newspaper say Celta Vigo and Tottenham are in negotiations which seem to be going somewhere, and the Spanish club is ‘very inclined’ to accept a Tottenham offer and carry out the sale.
A price is mentioned of €10m, with no outright claim that’s been the offer, and La Voz de Galicia lead the reader to believe that would probably be enough.
Tottenham’s interest is said to come from Mauricio Pochettino, who’s been following Pape Cheikh for ‘a long time’.
But why are the Galician press so positive about this story? Well, it’s a pride and need thing.
Getting money for a youth product will enhance Celta Vigo’s recent record of doing just that, and Pape Cheikh isn’t essential to the club.
The 20 year old isn’t a regular in the first team, and Celta are covered in midfield, so sending the player to Tottenham wouldn’t be a footballing loss for this season, that’s how the situation is seen.
And €10m, or whatever it would be, could perhaps be invested in areas of the pitch where it’s more needed. The player is also keen, with the pull of the Premier League and a big salary increase said to be factors.
Pape Cheikh is there for Tottenham if they want him, Celta Vigo aren’t going to fight. The midfielder will be packed off to Wembley with all the very best wishes and a gushing of pride.
If this one doesn’t happen, it would suggest the speculation built on speculation had no foundation to start with.
