‘From what I’m told’: Romano claims Spurs turned down chance to sign ‘world-class’ forward on deadline day

Add as preferred source on Google

Tottenham Hotspur turned down the chance to sign Ousmane Dembele on transfer deadline day, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Spurs were linked with the Barcelona forward for much of the January window, but the player ended up staying put.

Spanish outlet Sport claimed Spurs director Fabio Paratici tried hard to bring Dembele to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Paratici eventually pulled the plug on the deal despite intense negotiations on transfer deadline day, according to the report.

However, Romano has now claimed that Barca actually offered the player – who is out of contract in the summer – to Tottenham.

Spurs reportedly rejected him – “it was not even a topic for Tottenham”, the transfer guru said on his YouTube channel.

“Fabio Paratici always appreciated Ousmane Dembele”

“The real story we had in the final hours of the deadline day was about Tottenham interested in signing Ousmane Dembele,” said Romano.

“From what I’m told, it’s true that Fabio Paratici always appreciated Ousmane Dembele. He was in his list when he was Juventus director.

“In June 2020 Juventus were trying to sign Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona but then the deal didn’t happen.

“But about Tottenham and Ousmane Dembele in the final hours of the window.

“Barcelona were trying to push Dembele out everywhere and trying to push also with Tottenham.

“But the answer from Tottenham was a no.

“Because of the salary, but also because of the huge bonus and signing fee that Dembele is going to ask also in the summer when he will leave as a free agent.

“So this is why it was not even a topic for Tottenham in the final hours of the window.”

Spurs were right not to take the plunge – TBR View

Dembele joined Barca to much fanfare in 2017, arriving from Borussia Dortmund for a reported £97million.

His release clause is a staggering 400 million euro (£334million), testament to how high expectations were of him.

However, Dembele’s time at the club hasn’t been smooth sailing amid a myriad of injury troubles.

The 24-year-old missed out on Barca’s last two matches after being told to either sign a new deal or find a new club.

However, Barca boss Xavi says the situation has now changed and he will count on the player until the end of the season (ESPN).

Former Liverpool man Jose Enrique has labelled Dembele “world-class”. Certainly, on form, he’d be a good signing for anyone.

However, you can understand why Tottenham were reluctant to take him on, considering the huge finances involved.

Dembele plays on the wings, and Spurs have plenty of cover there, particularly now Dejan Kulusevski has joined.