Why Barcelona should not sign Tanguy Ndombele
According to French newspaper L’Equipe (Daily Star), Barcelona are interested in Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tanguy Ndombele.
Ndombele arrived in England just last summer but has failed to live up to the expectations after a £55million move from Lyon. Ndombele’s hopes of a breakthrough maiden season at Tottenham suffered a major setback after he suffered a few injuries.
A hamstring injury in August and a groin pain in January has restricted the 23-year-old midfielder to just 19 league appearances this season. However, it’s not just the lack of matches that has affected his game this season.
Ndombele has been largely unimpressive for Jose Mourinho’s side even when given chance to play. So far, he has managed just two goals and four assists from 21 games across all competitions for Spurs.
Brought into the squad to add some creativity and stability in midfield, the French midfielder has failed to deliver. After a top-four finish in the last four seasons, the Lilywhites have suffered a sudden dip in form that has seen them fall to a lowly eighth this season.
Had it not been for Mourinho’s arrival midway through the season, the club could have fallen even lower down the pecking order – something which was visible initially in the season.
Lack of creativity in the attack has seen Tottenham score just 47 goals from 29 league matches. If not for the form of their talismanic striker Harry Kane (11 goals) and winger Heung-min Son (8 goals), Tottenham might have fallen down a little deeper in the table.
Meanwhile, L’Equipe claims that Ndombele is looking for a move elsewhere if things do not improve in North London, and Catalan giants Barcelona seem to be keen on signing the midfielder. Before his move to England, young Ndombele was a standout performer in France, helping Lyon secure Champions League qualification for two seasons.
His impressive displays for the French outfit had helped them finish third in the 2018-19 and 2017-18 campaign respectively, forcing Tottenham to buy him in a bid to add strength to their midfield.
However, it has not been the case, with Ndombele struggling to adjust to his new surroundings in England. Hence, it would be wise of Barcelona to rethink before making any move further.
Meanwhile, Barcelona had earlier roped in Frenkie de Jong from Ajax last summer, to bolster their midfield and the Dutchman has been an instant hit at Camp Nou. They also have another young midfielder in Arthur.
Though he hasn’t reached the heights expected from him, Arthur has still shown promises of immense potential. The Catalans also have experienced stars like Sergio Busquets, Arturo Vidal, and Ivan Rakitic in the squad at the moment.
Considering all this, Ndombele’s arrival would just be surplus to their requirements. Also, if he hasn’t reached the expected standards at Tottenham, then Barcelona would be a much tougher job.
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Verdict
Ndombele has been far from impressive this season due to injuries and poor form. Hence, before signing Ndombele, it would be better for a top club such as Barcelona to consider their options ahead of next season. Also, with as many as six midfielders in the side, Barcelona do not really need another player, especially not an out-of-form Ndombele.
