According to a recent report by The Daily Star, Barcelona are facing a significant stumbling block in pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur left-back Ryan Sessegnon this summer. The same source has also revealed that Spurs are prepared to reject all offers for the English wide player which could extinguish Barca’s hopes to land him when the transfer window reopens later this year.
Sessegnon’s Unimpressive Debut Season At North London
The 20-year-old has endured an injury-plagued spell at the English capital as he has missed several matches this season because of a hamstring problem. Even when Sessegnon has been fit and available for selection, Jose Mourinho has often named him on his bench which has derailed the youngster’s development at North London.
The former Fulham wide player has participated in 12 matches for Spurs this term, netting just one goal and providing one assist across all fronts, which sheds light on his growing struggles at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. However, the English whizkid has also shown a few signs of promise after averaging of 0.8 tackles, 0.5 interceptions, 1.2 clearances, 0.5 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per game in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League this season (stats via whoscored).
The London-born starlet has also featured for England at various youth levels but is yet to make his debut for the Three Lions’ senior team. A potential switch to the Nou Camp this summer could be a once in a lifetime opportunity for him to shine at the highest level which could have helped him become a useful asset for both club and country in the coming years.
What Are The English Youngster’s Best Attributes?
Sessegnon can make full use of his electric pace and agility when attempting to complete some dangerous dribbles out on the wide areas. He possesses excellent balance and is usually quite composed when travelling with the ball down the left flank. The English talent is not afraid to produce a hard-working performance at the back but needs to strengthen his defensive attributes if he wants to take his game to the next level.
What Should Be Quique Setien’s Play Here?
Tottenham’s unwillingness to cash in on Sessegnon will be a significant stumbling block for the Catalan giants as he could have been a valuable squad player at the Nou Camp. The English full-back ticks all the right boxes in terms of what is required to compete with Jordi Alba for a place in Quique Setien’s first-team next season.
However, now that Barca’s hopes have been dashed about recruiting Sessegnon this summer, maybe retaining Junior Firpo for another season could be the way to go for Barca under the dire economic conditions of the current transfer market. Otherwise, the Spanish giants will have to find the funds to orchestrate a move for one of their other summer targets for the left-back position.
