Journalist hints Tottenham man Royal could make Brazil World Cup squad

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Brazilian journalist Joao Castelo-Branco has told The Monday Night Club that Dani Alves is now almost certainly going to the World Cup with Brazil, but he could yet be joined by Tottenham Hotspur defender Emerson Royal.

It is well-known that Royal has not had the easiest time since moving to Tottenham last summer. He arrived off the back of an impressive spell with Real Betis.

However, reports claimed some at Barcelona could not believe just how much money they received for the 23-year-old.

But there were reasons why Spurs saw something in the full-back. And his emergence for Selecao in 2021 was potentially one encouraging sign.

Royal made his Brazil debut back in 2019. But it was in the last 12 months that the defender started to establish himself as a more important member of the fold. He won five of his seven caps last year.

However, he is not in the current squad. Instead, Alves is now back in the ranks after winning one cap across 2020 and 2021. And Castelo-Branco has provided an update on the likelihood of Royal making the World Cup squad.

“Right-back is one of the weakest in terms of options. It’s almost 100% that Dani Alves will go,” he told The Monday Night Club.

“He’s 38 years old. Danilo will probably play ahead of him and start the matches.

“Apart from Dani Alves the other player being looked at was Emerson Royal. He’s not even getting a game at Tottenham! I’m sure Tottenham fans will be surprised if he made it to the World Cup.”

World Cup hopes may help Tottenham offload Emerson Royal this summer

Tottenham find themselves in a tricky position when it comes to Royal. They spent £25.8 million to sign him. And obviously, they would want to recoup a large part of that fee if he is going to leave after 12 months.

However, doing that is going to be difficult. He has lost his place to Matt Doherty and barely featured in their last five Premier League games.

What may help Tottenham should they look to offload Royal is that the World Cup is emerging on the horizon. And clearly, as things stand, the youngster faces a fight to go.

He needs a move just as much as Spurs probably do.