Tottenham transfer news: Roberto Soldado not wanted by Bayer Leverkusen as Mauricio Pochettino raises doubts over striker's future
Soldado has been linked to a swap deal that would see Josep Drmic head to Spurs
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Poor Roberto Soldado. The striker has not enjoyed an easy ride since arriving at Tottenham in 2013 for a hefty £26m. He’s scored just 15 goals in 55 appearances, less than half of which have come in the Premier League, and he is being touted with a move away from England to rediscover his best form.
But no sooner had he been linked with a switch to Bayer Leverkusen than the club’s managing director has stressed that the club do not wish to be linked to Soldado as they’re not interested in him.
Ouch.
According to Sky Deutschland reporter Laura Lutz, the club have no plans to swap their Swiss striker Josep Drmic for Soldado.
Lutz told Sky Sports News HQ: “We talked to the managing director of Bayer Leverkusen and he says he doesn’t want his club to be linked with this player.
"They want to keep striker Josip Drmic, so if they keep him they won’t need Soldado. In Germany we think this move isn’t going to happen.”
Immediately after the news though, Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino was quizzed on the future of the Spanish striker, and his response didn’t give the feeling that the 29-year-old had a future at White Hart Lane.
"Any player is for sale,” said Pochettino ahead of Wednesday’s Capital One Cup semi-final first leg against Sheffield United.
"But we will work hard to keep all our players because we have a lot of games and we need a strong squad."
One player who does look to be on his way out of White Hart Lane is defender Kyle Naughton. The 26-year-old is nearing a £5m move to Premier League rivals Swansea as he seeks regular first-team football, with his ability to cover both sides of defence said to have impressed Swans manager Garry Monk.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments