GiveMeSport
·16 August 2022
GiveMeSport
·16 August 2022
Tottenham would still be open to selling Emerson Royal if they receive a suitable offer before the deadline, according to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay.
Despite starting the season as Antonio Conte’s number one right wing-back, the £42,000 per-week Brazil international has been linked with a summer exit.
Royal made the switch from Barcelona less than 12 months ago, but he’s endured a difficult time at Tottenham.
Generally, he has been first choice on the right, although he hasn’t really adapted to playing as a wing-back, with his attacking output extremely underwhelming.
As a result, Spurs have brought in Djed Spence to provide extra quality and depth, which has led to doubts over Royal’s future.
According to the Daily Mail, Atletico Madrid are keen on the 23-year-old, but Tottenham have no plans to offload him, even though Spence’s arrival has increased their number of right wing-back options to three.
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Tottenham Marshes Northumberland Park Tottenham Hotspur Stadium White Hart Lane
Despite Royal starting the opening two Premier League games, Barclay reckons that he could still be sold before next month’s deadline, providing the right offer comes along.
He told GIVEMESPORT: “You’d think if Tottenham get a good bid for Emerson Royal, they might let him go, but there’s no guarantee and for the rest of the team, no.
“They’re all trying to hang onto their first team spots, and I don’t think Spurs will be letting any of them go.”
Despite speculation surrounding his future, Royal is doing his talking on the pitch.
Against Southampton, according to WhoScored, he was only outperformed by Dejan Kulusevski and Heung-Min Son, with his 7.62 rating helped by an assist and the cross which led to Mohammed Salisu’s own goal.
Eight days later Royal more than held his own in the 2-2 draw at Chelsea when up against the tricky Raheem Sterling. With Spurs trapped in their half for long spells of the game, one dangerous second half cross was his only attacking contribution, but he certainly chipped in at the other end.
Royal managed three successful tackles, three interceptions and made three clearances to help keep Chelsea at bay and eventually allow Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Harry Kane to earn Tottenham a priceless point.
The Brazilian might not be the answer moving forward for Conte, but under the circumstances, he’s made a strong start to the campaign.