On Tuesday, the knowledge that Tanguy Ndombélé would start the decisive Champions League quarter final for Napoli against AC Milan in lieu of the suspended André Zambo Anguissa led to a mix of concern and excitement.
After all, the Tottenham loanee is a very different player to the Cameroon international, but there was hope this could be a turning point for the midfielder, who has only be used sporadically by Luciano Spalletti to date.
In some way, it was, but not in the manner hoped by many, as Ndombélé was at fault for Milan’s goal, giving the ball away, and that has led to calls for him to leave Napoli at the end of the season and return to Tottenham, with Paolo Esposito, speaking to Il Pallone Gonfiato, relayed by Area Napoli, leading said charge.
He said: “Now I understand why Antonio Conte sent him away from Tottenham. He makes absurd mistakes, comes out suddenly from the game, is responsible for the goal Napoli conceded on the occasion of Milan’s momentary advantage through Giroud.
“The football is on loan to Napoli, but they have the possibility of buying him out for €30m. In my opinion, Tottenham’s request is excessive. The midfielder is not worth all that money, and as I see it not even half. I also spoke about it with the president Aurelio De Laurentiis: for those figures, the player will never be redeemed.”
So, it seems Tottenham could end up having to either give their Italian counterparts a huge discount if they want rid of the Frenchman in the summer quickly, or they will have to make do with the knowledge he will once again return to London, giving them extra work to do on the transfer market.
