According to a recent report from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are plotting to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tanguy Ndombele. The Catalan giants were linked with him last year, but it was Spurs that managed to win the transfer battle for him. However, now it seems like Barcelona are renewing their interest in the French midfielder.
Breakdown in the relationship between Mourinho and Ndombele
Barcelona are expecting possible exits of Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal. Hence, it is no surprise that they are on the lookout for a new central midfielder. The latest report adds that Ndombele is keen to move because of his poor relationship with Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho had called out Ndombele specifically for one of his poor performances. Tottenham boss had said (The Sun), “I know the Premier League is difficult, and some players take a long time to adapt to a different league. But a player with his (Ndombele) potential has to give us more than he is giving us, especially when you see how Lucas, Lo Celso and those players are playing. I was expecting more in the first half from him.”
Now, Barcelona are looking to take advantage of this situation by trying to tempt Ndombele to move to Camp Nou. Spurs had signed him for €60m last summer, and it remains to be seen how much Barcelona would be looking to pay for him.
What can Ndombele offer?
The six-times France international has made 27 appearances for Tottenham this season and has contributed with two goals and four assists. Ndombele’s standout assets are his strength and physicality. The Frenchman can go on marauding runs from midfield. He is effective with his link-up play as well. The 23-year-old is versatile enough to play in various roles in the middle as he can play as a defensive midfielder or as a central midfielder. However, he would need to bring a bit more defensive discipline to his game if he wants to thrive in a deeper role.
It cannot be denied that he has produced underwhelming performances for Tottenham so far. There seems to be a lack of energy and drive in him, and his work rate has been poor. If Ndombele can improve on that front, then he can be a productive player.
We feel that he can be a good pick for Barcelona and the La Liga could suit his playing style more given that the league is not as intense as the Premier League. Technically, Ndombele is very sound on the ball, and he should be a good fit for the Spanish giants.
