Dimitar Berbatov has said Lucas Moura is “better off staying at Spurs” following reports Tottenham turned down a deadline day offer for the winger from Barcelona.
Earlier this week, we relayed a story from Spain suggesting Barcelona had made a last-minute approach for Moura but failed to meet Spurs’ £45 million valuation of the Brazilian, who became a fan favourite last season following his incredible hat-trick against Ajax in the Champions League semi-finals.
And Berbatov, who himself was – and still mostly is – adored by the Tottenham support despite leaving for Manchester United in the summer of 2009, believes staying at Spurs was the best course of action for Moura regardless of Barcelona’s interest.
Writing in his column for Betfair, Berbatov said: “The press are reporting that Spurs turned down a late bid for Lucas Moura from Barcelona. That’s a surprise to me and a compliment to Moura who’s emerged as another strong attacking option for Spurs in the past six months.
“I can’t see where he would have fit into a Barcelona front line that already has Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann. Moura is better off staying at Spurs and helping them challenge on all fronts this season.”
Berbatov went on to suggest Christian Eriksen will now be able to concentrate on his football having failed to secure an expected move away from Tottenham during the transfer window.
“Mauricio Pochettino will be relieved that the transfer window is closed across Europe. Now the Tottenham manager knows which players he has to work with,” he added.
“Without having insider knowledge, it’s difficult to know what happened with Christian Eriksen this summer. If a team wanted him and Spurs stopped him from leaving then it’s possible the player will harbour regrets which could mean he’s still distracted. But if nobody came in for Eriksen then he should be fine and can now concentrate on playing for Spurs.
“I expect Eriksen to get his head down and perform for Spurs now. His goal in the north London derby last weekend showed that’s what he plans to do.”
It is strange that Spurs apparently would have sold Moura had Barcelona offered just £45 million for the 27-year-old. Despite struggling to convince Mauricio Pochettino he is worthy of a regular staring spot, Moura remains an important member of the squad.
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Yet another load of bullshit from Spain and all the dunces fall for it, amazing.
Surely we can not be stupid enough to even entertain an offer for Moura; he is sooooooooo important to us that we should not sell him at any price.He seems perfectly happy here and long may it continue.
It should not even enter Levy or Pocch’s head to even think of letting this man leave.