In August of last year, we saw Moussa Sissoko become Tottenham Hotspur’s joint record signing after a 30 million pound deal saw him swap Tyneside for North London.
Spurs landed Sissoko’s much sought-after signature following the Frenchman’s strong performances at Euro 2016.
The thinking behind the transfer was obvious.
Sissoko looked a strong, attacking midfielder who could both offer width for the team and play in the centre of the park. These attributes would have suited Mauricio Pochettino’s then preferred 4231 formation.
Disaster
But the following season proved to be a disaster for Sissoko. He made just 8 Premier League starts last season in a season he himself described as the worst of his career.
Pochettino’s new three at the back formation ruled out any chance of a wide role for the Frenchman in the team.
Dembele and Wanyama both enjoyed fantastic seasons at the heart of the Spurs’ side, keeping Sissoko out if centre midfield.
Harry Winks became the latest youngster to break into the first team and quickly justified his place in the side.
Not good enough
Sissoko’s performances simply weren’t good enough. He looked uncomfortable and panicked on the ball.
He lacks the skill and power of Moussa Dembele to get away from defenders. Instead he seems bulldoze aimlessly around the pitch, failing to offer any support for Harry Kane and Dele Alli up front.
Sissoko failed to score once during the last campaign and managed just two assists.
Gotta go
It is time for Sissoko to go. He is very unpopular amongst the club’s supporters (unlike fellow struggler Vincent Janssen) and clearly out of favour with the manager.
He has publicly expressed his discontent, hinting at a move away from the Lane. He still has ambitions to make France’s 2018 World Cup squad but needs regular first-team football to impress.
There are murmurs of a move to Marseille who are under new billionaire owners and eager to compete with the likes of PSG at the top of Ligue 1.
Financial burden
In truth, Sissoko has become something of a financial burden at Tottenham. His 30 million pound transfer fee is reportedly payable in 6 million instalments over the course of his 5 year deal.
Sissoko is currently earning almost 100,000 pounds-a-week at Spurs, a club well-known for their tight wage bill.
It will certainly be difficult for Daniel Levy to recoup the entire 30 million and may well have to sell the player at a loss.
But Spurs look eager to finance yet another title push next year as the clubs around them are set to spend big this summer.
Like O-Posts on Facebook
You can also follow O-Posts on Twitter @OPosts
Bryan mc
December 29, 2023 at 21:17
Well put and i thought i was the only one who noticed how bad he was/is.
I have to say he was better this year than he was last.
And is still no better than my 9 year old granddaughter