Report suggests third-party stumbling block in Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Willian Jose

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Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of signing Willian Jose have taken a big hit, according to reports in Spain. 

It appears the Brazilian striker has been identified as a top target to replace Harry Kane in the England striker’s absence with a hamstring injury. 

It was reported recently that the striker’s Spanish club Real Sociedad want £18 million for the player. The Telegraph suggested that was the case, whilst the Guardian pointed out the player’s £59 million release clause. 

However, that is not what the Spanish press believe. 

Mundo Deportivo suggest that the Basque side have ‘declared the £18 million offer unacceptable’. The matter is made more complicated by the fact 30 per cent of Jose’s rights are said to be owned by a third-party, the controversial Uruguayan club Deportivo Maldonado. 

TBR’s View

This might bring a sense of deja-vu for Tottenham fans. They had a similar problem in their ambitious approach for Paulo Dybala in the summer. As reported by The Standard in August, the Juventus striker’s image rights are owned by a third-party based in Malta, which ended up proving one of the major stumbling blocks in any deal. 

MD report that a fee as low as £18 million would result in Maldonado retaining some of Willian Jose’s rights, something that would not be possible for Tottenham, or not receiving payment for the Brazilain. Either way, it would prove a messy affair that Daniel Levy and co will want to avoid. 

The fee suggested by the Spanish report that might allow Tottenham to get their man? That appears to be upward of €45-€50 million (£38m-£42m). That is a fee the report suggests Tottenham would not be willing to spend. It seems Tottenham have a fight on their hands if they are to get their hands on this potential Kane replacement.