Tottenham Hotspur are currently looking into the option of extending Erik Lamela’s contract beyond the summer of 2019. A clause exists in his current deal similar to that of Toby Alderweireld which will allow Spur to add another year.
Lamela is still only 25 years old and has a lot of football left in him. Making a comeback after spending 13 months out on the sidelines is no easy task and yet he is slowly finding his way back into first-team football.
The Argentine went through a tumultuous period not only with his double hip surgery but at home as well, with his brother getting severely injured in an accident.
When asked about his recovery after the 2-1 loss to Leicester City in November, Lamela said, “I feel good to be back on the pitch but disappointed at the result. Of course, I can get much better. The past 13 months were crazy, it was probably the worst time of my life. I really wanted to play but my injury took too long.”
Lamela made his first Champions League appearance against Juventus earlier this week and did look a bit rusty. But it was a boost towards his future and a sign that Mauricio Pochettino still has his compatriot in his plans for the season.
Lamela arrived at North London in the summer of 2013 from Serie A outfit, AS Roma. He was part of the overhaul process after Gareth Bale made his illustrious exit to Real Madrid. While most of the signings fazed out with a failed career in the Premier League, Lamela along with Christian Eriksen were the only names to make it into the Tottenham lineup.
The left-footed winger is a versatile presence in the Tottenham attack and can appear centrally as well as a creative option. He has racked up 138 total appearances with the English side registering 20 goals and 34 assists.
Lamela might not one of the biggest names for the Argentina national team but still has the years to grow into one. Tottenham’s wing options are very limited with Moussa Sissoko often failing to meet the usual standards of top-flight football. Lamela is the only player capable of providing width along with the January signing, Lucas Moura.
Signing him on a longer deal will not only give him the crucial bout of confidence, it will also increase his value significantly if the club plans on selling him in the near future.
