[인터풋볼] Reporter Park Ji-won = Manchester United are keen to sign Tanguy Ndombele.
Britain’s ‘Daily Express’ reported on the 21st (Korean time), “Man United are interested in Ndombele, a failed Tottenham Hotspur game. We are tracking his movements.”
“Ndombele will be the replacement for Paul Pogba. Pogba has less than a year left on his contract. Manchester United want to replace Pogba with Ndombele in case he leaves.”
Ndombele moved to Tottenham from Olympique Lyon in the summer of 2019 for €60 million (about KRW 83.5 billion). The transfer fee was Tottenham’s club record. Tottenham, who wanted creativity in midfield, opted for Ndombele, who showed a flash of movement.
Ndombele was a player who showed his strengths in various fields in Ligue 1, France. He played a number of notable plays, such as witty footwork, decompression ability, and key passes. It was Ndombele, who was courted by big clubs, and Tottenham was the final choice.
In his debut season, he only appeared in 21 matches in the English Premier League (EPL). In addition, he went back and forth between starting and subs, and even if he was on the starting lineup, he was often replaced early. Manager Jose Mourinho pointed out that Ndombele had problems with his fitness and condition, and gave him limited opportunities.
In the 2020-21 season, Ndombele made 33 appearances in the EPL and established a starting position. However, at the end of the season, when Mourinho was sacked and acting manager Ryan Mason took over the baton, the tide changed. Acting manager Mason chose Deli Ali and Harry Winks, and Ndombele was reduced to a bench resource. In addition, he did not even step on the pitch in the final of the English Football League Cup (EFL Cup).
These were the catalysts. According to British ‘The Athletic’, Ndombele felt disillusioned and made a transfer request to the club this summer. Tottenham also wanted to dispose of Ndombele, but the offer didn’t make sense. The media reported that the transfer fee for Ndombele was around 60 million euros initially used. Tottenham’s stance was that they could not sell him at a bargain price, as he signed a contract until the summer of 2025. At this point, interest was lost.
In the end, Ndombele’s escape this summer was a failure. But soon the good news came. The same EPL club, Manchester United, showed interest. ‘Express’ said: “Man United have already found a replacement for Pogba. If the contract extension fails, he will sign Ndombele. Pogba and Ndombele are considered to be perfect replacements because they have a lot in common.”
