Tottenham Hotspur are poised to part ways with Tanguy Ndombele on a free transfer this summer. Ndombele, who joined the club in 2019 for a record fee of €60 million from Lyon, has not featured for Spurs since January 2022. The French midfielder’s time at Tottenham has been marred by inconsistent performances and loan spells away from the club.
Ndombele, born on December 28, 1996, in France, currently plies his trade with Turkish giants Galatasaray on loan from Tottenham. The 27-year-old midfielder, who has also enjoyed a successful loan stint with Napoli, has struggled to cement his place in the Tottenham squad under various managers since his arrival.
A Career of Highs and Lows
Ndombele’s journey in football has seen its fair share of peaks and valleys. He began his professional career with Amiens before moving to Lyon on loan in August 2017, a deal that was made permanent the following year. His impressive performances in Ligue 1 caught the attention of Tottenham, who brought him to the Premier League with high expectations.
Despite a promising start under then-manager Mauricio Pochettino, who had a distinguished playing and managerial career including leading Spurs to their first-ever Champions League final in 2019, Ndombele’s form dipped as he struggled to adapt to the physical demands of English football. His tenure at Tottenham saw him making sporadic appearances, with the 2021-2022 season being his last active involvement, where he managed just nine Premier League appearances, scoring once and assisting once.
Loan Spells and Triumphs Abroad
Ndombele’s career took a detour as he was sent back on loan to Lyon in January 2022, where he made 11 appearances in Ligue 1 and provided two assists. His next move was a loan to Napoli for the 2022-2023 season, where he played a part in their Serie A triumph, making 30 appearances and scoring one goal.
In the 2023-2024 season, Ndombele joined Galatasaray on loan. Despite not finding the net, he contributed one assist in 19 appearances in the Süper Lig, helping the team to clinch the league title. His time in Turkey also saw him secure the Turkish Super Cup.
Tottenham’s Decision and Future Prospects
The decision to release Ndombele on a free transfer marks a significant financial loss for Tottenham, who had invested heavily in the midfielder. Tottenham’s current squad boasts a mix of experienced and young talents, including the likes of Son Heung-Min, Richarlison, and James Maddison, which may have influenced the club’s decision to part ways with Ndombele.
Tottenham’s recent form has been inconsistent, with losses to Chelsea, Newcastle, and Manchester City, but also notable wins against Burnley and Sheffield United. This inconsistency may have prompted the club to reassess its squad and make difficult decisions regarding player contracts.
For Ndombele, the future remains uncertain. His talent is undeniable, and his successful stints with Napoli and Galatasaray suggest that he still has much to offer. As he prepares to leave Tottenham, several clubs across Europe may seek to capitalize on his availability on a free transfer.
Conclusion
Tanguy Ndombele’s time at Tottenham Hotspur is set to come to an end this summer, as the club prepares to release him on a free transfer. Despite being their record signing, Ndombele’s tenure at the club has been a mixed bag of highs and lows, with notable successes during loan spells away from Tottenham. As Spurs look to rebuild and Ndombele seeks a fresh start, the football world will be watching closely to see where the talented midfielder lands next.
