Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Mousa Dembele has now completed his expected move to the Chinese Super League and, subject to international clearance, he has agreed a new deal at Guangzhou R&F.
The 31-year-old has been unavailable for manager Mauricio Pochettino since injury sidelined him back in November but links with a move out to Chinese game have been with us for months as the popular midfielder moved towards the end of his contract.
We have reached agreement with Chinese Super League side Guangzhou R&F for the transfer of @mousadembele, subject to international clearance.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 17, 2019
Having come into White Hart Lane from Fulham back in 2012 for a reported £15million, the Belgian was more than worth his transfer fee and quickly established himself in the side, and he departs with ten goals to his name, in well over 200 appearances.
I imagine fans had accepted he was going to be moving on this month and we have secured £11million apparently so it was a good business decision and avoids us losing him for free, even if he could’ve still done a job for us.
Speaking to Spurs TV, Dembele explained.
“I’ve always had a good experience here. I go away with an unbelievable feeling and with a certain love for the club. The club is part of my family now.”
The feeling was mutual from fans who were sad to see the confirmation come in.
Good luck Mousa.
— Terry Dignan (@TerryDignan) January 17, 2019
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— Jon (@big_billy_bagel) January 17, 2019
Sad day
— Seán MacDiarmada (@SeanJosephJames) January 17, 2019
Selling him to pay for some sparks and chippy's overtime. That's our Tottenham ????
— Deco (@miamibyrne) January 17, 2019
That's helped the injury crisis, nice one.
— graham (@grahamroon) January 17, 2019
Absolutely gutted, Mousa you have been a fantastic player for us & will be missed massively, I wish you the best of luck with your move #COYS
— SCOTT (@_SW2_) January 17, 2019
One of the most gifted players to have worn our shirt in the modern era of Spurs.
Such a shame that have injuries have restricted him from going on to have a longer career at Spurs, wish him nothing but the best for the future, a really special player and honour to watch him. ????????
— Ricky Sacks ???? (@RickSpur) January 17, 2019
Thank you for everything 249 appearances over 6/7 seasons been a fantastic player and a modern day spurs great. Hope you and your family have fun in China ???????? smash it mate ????????
— Lilywhite Rose (@Lilywhite_Rose) January 17, 2019
Good luck Mousa, it’s been an absolute pleasure to watch you grace White Hart Lane and Wembley for the past 6 and a half years. A modern day Spurs great. Good luck in China. Once a Spur, always a Spur #COYS
— Jon Mannings (@jonthfc) January 17, 2019