Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic says he wants Ryan Sessegnon to stay regardless of whether the Londoners are promoted to the Premier League, but admits he is unsure about the teenager’s future.
Sessegnon has been a sensation since breaking into Fulham’s first team last season.
The 17-year-old has scored 15 goals in the Championship this season, leading to reported interest from Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool.
Fulham could yet achieve automatic promotion to the Premier League. Failing that, they will be involved in the play-offs.
But Jokanovic wants to believe Sessegnon’s future isn’t reliant on what tier Fulham are playing in next season.
“I don’t know, I cannot answer you,” he said when asked about Sessegnon (via football.london). “What I want dependant on if we go up or don’t go up, I prefer he stays with us.
“In realistic life, what is going to happen I can’t answer you – this player shows a really high level [of performance] and it is normal that the most important English or European clubs are interested in him.”
Spurs are apparently keen for Sessegnon to replace Danny Rose, who looks set to leave north London at the end of the season.
However, Sessegnon has flourished in a more attacking position this term and may not want to return to his previous role as a left-back.
Versatility is a trait Pochettino values, so perhaps he will play in more than one position if Tottenham do manage to lure him.
My guess is that Fulham will keep him if they are promoted but would find it very hard to resist selling him if they miss promotion.