Quincy Promes has found himself very much back in the news this week.
Towards the end of the winter transfer window, Southampton were making efforts to sign the Dutchman, but wouldn’t go as high as Spartak Moscow required.
A few days ago we covered claims from Russia that the reason Southampton and others wouldn’t pay the near €35m required was because Promes hasn’t managed to impress in Europe.
Two goals and two assists in one match against Sevilla in October haven’t been added to, and in Russia it’s thought the attacker hasn’t taken his good level to European games.
Russia’s Sport-Express have spoken to former Spartak striker Aleksandr Shirko, and asked him why Promes looks ‘lost’ in European matches, being a ‘shadow’ of himself: “I will not hang labels on Promes for now – whether he is overrated or not. His qualities are visible, there are abilities. Quincy plays when he feels confident. In important European matches he is lost, does not show his leadership qualities.”
Asked if Spartak now exit the Europa League, will it be difficult to find interest in Promes from top clubs, Shirko explained: “I agree. Scouts look at the performances of the footballer in the Champions League, the Europa League, the World Cup and the Euros. If a person does not show himself much there, then what level can you talk about at all?”
Spartak are in Bilbao today where they face Athletic, with the Russian club already losing 3-1 from the first game. Promes likely needs to play well to help his chances of a move to Southampton or elsewhere.
Sofiane Hanni, who joined Promes at Spartak last month, said this week he heard Southampton had offered €30m. If the Premier League club are that interested then they’ll probably have someone in Bilbao tonight.
