Many of us were lead to believe that Takehiro Tomiyasu would be both Nuno Espirito Santo and Fabio Paratici’s first ever signing for Spurs, the developments in the last few days with Pierluigi Gollini have suggested otherwise.
However, a new name has appeared in the mix, Sevilla wonderkid Bryan Gil who has been touted as the ‘Spanish Messi’ due to his unbelievable close control and dribbling – and a deal has been completely agreed.
Paperworks stage in the next hours between Tottenham and Sevilla for Bryan Gil-Erik Lamela swap deal. It’s confirmed and done, both will move on permanent. 🤝 #THFC
Bryan Gil set to sign until June 2026 as Spurs player. €25m to Sevilla as included fee, confirmed. 🇪🇸
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 21, 2021
With Erik Lamela set to go the other way, Spurs have been able to negotiate a very smart deal with just £21 million being spent on Gil, who at just 20-years-old already has three Spain caps.
The winger was linked with Real Madrid and Barcelona throughout the last season, after seriously impressing while on loan at Eibar, and Sevilla were reportedly wanting to insert a €100 million release clause – but they have settled for significantly less.
Got to love a day off. Spurs' policy this summer was to prioritise the defence but also look to replace/improve departures. Erik Lamela has been convinced Sevilla is the place for him. That allows Spurs to bring in Bryan Gil, who is a very talented young attacking midfielder.
— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) July 20, 2021
It’s a shock to many involved in Spanish football, as he is believed to be Spain’s best prospect beyond Barcelona duo Ansu Fati and Pedri – but Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui isn’t a fan of his young star due to his left-footedness and preferred position also being on the left, as he prefers inverted wingers.
Gil scored four goals and set up a further three in just 28 La Liga appearances last season as he helped Eibar to escape relegation, catching the eye with superb technical ability at such a young age.
https://twitter.com/zayrevived/status/1417580436667179013?s=20
Currently at the Olympics with Spain, it’s unlikely will see Gil in North London at least in the next couple weeks, but a deal is seriously close and all that is needed now to complete the transfer is a signature from both the 20-year-old and Lamela.
The concluded transfer would mark the end of Lamela’s eight year stint at Spurs, an underwhelming period which was plagued by injuries, spells out of form and fitness issues.
Bryan Gil – starboy #thfc https://t.co/Fe4zulkC3v
— Hotspur Lane (@HotspurLane) July 20, 2021
Overall, the Argentinean forward struggled to settle in England and adapt to the Premier League, but despite not living up to his potential, it’s hard to argue that he didn’t give his all for the team on the pitch.
The deal also is a huge sign of Sporting Director Fabio Paratici’s ruthlessness in the transfer market, and we expect to see more swap deals pitched in the future, similar to the one involving Gil’s current teammate Jules Kounde and Davinson Sanchez.