According to Sky Sports, Tottenham Hotspur are prepared to offload Kyle Walker-Peters this summer. The right-back is currently on loan at Southampton, who could explore the possibility of securing his services permanently even if the Premier League season gets voided. Walker-Peters’ existing contract at Spurs expires in 2023.
Kyle Walker-Peters: A failed talent?
A product of the Tottenham youth academy, Walker-Peters has been a part of the first-team since 2017. Last summer, he had an excellent chance of making a much-awaited breakthrough in the starting lineup following the departure of Kieran Trippier. But, after starting three matches, the youngster was unfortunate with injuries that ultimately allowed Serge Aurier to regain his place in the side.
The Ivorian has since become an ever-present figure in the Spurs lineup, especially under Jose Mourinho. In fact, Walker-Peters was shipped out to Southampton on loan in January despite the club’s lack of options at right-back.
The defender has also faced a difficult time at Southampton, having featured in just one league game for his new club. He has once again struggled with fitness issues, forcing Ralph Hasenhuttl to deploy James Ward-Prowse at right-back.
Should Walker-Peters leave Tottenham?
Despite his early struggles at St.Mary’s Stadium, a permanent move to Southampton might just make sense for Walker-Peters this summer. The Saints will be looking for a new right-back, following the departure of Cedric Soares to Arsenal in the January transfer window.
Hasenhuttl has Yan Valery and Ward-Prowse as other options. But, the former has suffered from a virus infection for the majority of the campaign while Ward-Prowse is more of an attack-minded player. That should pave the way for Walker-Peters to become a first-team regular for Southampton next season.
The 23-year-old has the pace as well as the athleticism necessary to thrive under Hasenhuttle’s aggressive style of play. Tottenham, in contrast, will not only be able to provide him regular game-time, but manager Mourinho is also not a fan of the defender, meaning a move away from north London is indeed the right option for Walker-Peters this summer.
A beneficial move for Jose Mourinho?
From Tottenham’s perspective, offloading Walker-Peters is definitely the right decision. The defender has no future at the club, who will be keen on undergoing a major squad overhaul in the summer as they look to usher in a new era under the leadership of Mourinho.
Not to mention, his sale could help the club fund move for other targets in the market, with the Lilywhites notably being linked with a move for Timothy Castagne.
