Why Tottenham should take a risk and sign Radja Nainggolan
Former AS Roma star Radja Nainggolan signed for Inter Milan last summer and the move hasn’t really worked out for the Nerazzurri. With just 3 goals and no assists in 18 appearances for Luciano Spalletti’s side, the former Belgian international could be on the move to the Premier League, and Tottenham are among others interested, according to Daily Star.
With the departure of Mousa Dembele and injuries to Dele Alli and Victor Wanyama, Spurs have a massive void in central midfield and Mauricio Pochettino’s bid to finish in the top-three could slip away without proper investment. With Harry Kane out until March, Spurs are heavily reliant on Eriksen. For that reason, the potential arrival of Nainggolan will take some pressure off the Dane.
Prior to his dismal start at the San Siro, the 30-year-old was one of the first names on the team sheet for AS Roma. He finished the season with six goals and a career-best 11 assists in his final season at the Stadio Olimpico.
Nainggolan can play anywhere across the central midfield and will provide some much-needed cover. Disciplinary issues along with poor form signal the end of the midfielder’s time at the San Siro and a move away looks very likely.
A player of the Belgian’s calibre very rarely becomes available in the January transfer window, and that could spark a fierce battle between Tottenham and others interested. But Inter have had enough of the 30-year-old’s discipline at the San Siro. Inter released a statement in January saying that the club has suspended Radja Nainggolan from football activity for disciplinary reasons.
Although the club didn’t give out any details about the suspension, news broke out that the former Belgian International was late for training repeatedly.
Nainggolan was also suspended last January by former club AS Roma for posting a video of himself drinking and smoking at a New Year’s party. These issues seem alarming but there is no denying the quality of him when on the pitch, and Spurs can take a risk of signing him.
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According to the report, the north Londoners have some unwanted company on the market with the likes for Chelsea and Manchester United looking to sign the Inter man. With Fellaini injured and transfer of Cesc Fabregas to Monaco now done, the move makes sense for both teams.
Pochettino should make a quick move and try to seal a deal for Nainggolan. Despite all the disciplinary problems, he could be the much-needed presence in central midfield that Tottenham badly need to take themselves to the next level.
