“Maybe they are going to move”: Pochettino talks Tottenham player exits

Mauricio Pochettino has refused to rule out players leaving Tottenham before the European transfer deadline closes on August 31st.

Spurs failed to make a single signing before the Premier League’s August 9th transfer deadline. They also didn’t lose any of their “wantaway” players – including Toby Alderweireld, Danny Rose and Mousa Dembele – to English clubs.

But those players could still move overseas before the end of the month. Dembele is said to be target for Inter Milan, while Alderweireld and Rose have both been linked with moves to Germany.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of Tottenham’s Premier League meeting with Fulham this weekend, Pochettino admitted some players could still leave in the near future.

“Maybe, yes, we are going to see if some players believe that they can achieve their goals in another club,” said Pochettino (via Sky Sports). “Maybe they are going to move. Different individual things can happen in the next few weeks.

“If some player is not happy because he needs to play or believes he can play more at another team, or needs to change the environment, or needs a new challenge or motivation, I told them that I am open to find the solution.

“I want people who feel happy to be involved here every day, happy to be in the place that the manager, who is the boss, puts you, and I think that is the only way to success.

“If we are 25 players, 40 or 50 staff, fans, board altogether, working for the same objective, which is to win games. That is why I am so open to fix problems. I don’t want anyone upset or unhappy, or with negative feelings here.

“It is so clear the rules. It is so clear my message. I promise I am going to fix it if someone is not happy to be here for the next five months until the transfer window opens again. All people here need to feel they can be part of the team, and help the team any time the manager commands.”

Pochettino may have been referring to the likes of Georges-Kevin N’Koudou and Josh Onomoah, who he admitted could be allowed to leave on loan for more regular football this season.

After opting against bringing in new recruits, losing Alderweireld, Rose and Dembele now would be quite a risk for Spurs. It will be interesting to see if any of them try to force an exit.