Report: Jose Mourinho tried to keep Luis Binks at Tottenham, but player made up his mind

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The Daily Mail have claimed that Luis Binks has left Tottenham Hotspur and is training with Thierry Henry’s MLS side Montreal Impact – but Jose Mourinho did try to stop the 18-year-old defender from departing.

Reports originally came from Canada earlier this week, suggesting that Arsenal legend Henry was set to add young Spurs defender Binks to his side – with the MLS transfer window opening on February 12. But a move is yet to be completed.

Indeed, it is more complicated than that. It is believed that although Binks has left Spurs, he is only training with Montreal with a view to signing a permanent deal. However, a move is expected – and that could also open up a future transfer to Serie A.

That is because Montreal’s owner, Joey Saputo, also owns Bologna. If England Under-19 international Binks shines for Henry’s side, should he sign permanently, then a move to Bologna is on the cards.

The report claims Mourinho attempted to intervene when hearing that Binks was set to leave the club – but the player had already made his mind up, becoming disillusioned at a lack of a pathway into the senior side.

TBR’s view – Mourinho should have tried harder

Binks is a top, top talent – one regarded by the Spurs academy staff as the next best defender to come through the academy, after Japhet Tanganga who is currently shining in the first team.

Surely, a path would have been obvious to see. Jan Vertonghen is out of contract, Juan Foyth has not been good enough and although he did not leave in January – he certainly might in the summer. Tanganga’s rise also boasts promise for Binks.

But despite all that, Binks has still left. Mourinho should have done everything within his power to keep Binks.