With yesterday’s claims that Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Mousa Dembele had now travelled out to meet with Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan, the reports skewed a touch later in the day as it was being claimed that Guangzhou Evergrande had stolen a march on the deal – and although the fee for Spurs was said to be the same £11million, they had offered better terms to edge in on the deal.
In any event, the 31-year-old headed out to complete his medical and hold further discussions and now fans are simply awaiting confirmation of the transfer to come through.
With Moussa Sissoko picking up a reported groin injury against Manchester United last Sunday, it does leave us light in midfield – even allowing for the fact that Dembele has been out since November with an injury of his own, and with Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp as cover, plenty of fans took to social media to question the decision to not at least pause the transfer until more assessments had been done.
Replacement needed asap, we have Winks and Skipp as fit central midfielders, this borders on insanity with our current position.
— Dan (@ElCapitain82) January 14, 2019
Rolls Royce of a player. Genuinely. Always thought he lacked one key part from his game though, a few goals. Crazy to get rid now unless he’s being replaced with quality.
— Martin P (@jmpmnp) January 14, 2019
CM crisis and Levy let’s Dembele go. Kane injured Poch won’t use Janssen, Son is off on international duty, our full backs can’t defend and Levy won’t spend a penny. And we have loads of games coming up!
— Michael Watson (@MCWWIII) January 14, 2019
Peak Dembele would have eaten Man U alive yesterday and had room for dessert. Farewell Moose, and all the best.
— Andy Seaman (@andy_seaman) January 14, 2019
They cannot let this happen and not add to the squad. It's suicide.
— George (@GEORGIE_35) January 14, 2019
We all knew it was going to happen but it’s still so sad.
And we have to replace him!
— Rachel Martin (@RachelVMartin) January 14, 2019
How are we letting him go without any sort of replacement being touted especially now with injuries. Madness. I’d go and get Doucare. Yes we will be stung for the price but that’s elite football now. Going to get left behind
— Daniel Bryan (@DanBryan18) January 14, 2019
An absolute gem of a player we are selling! Considering our injury crisis it’s crazy, wish him all the best he has been a great servant! Surely we have to sign somebody in this window ? ????
— Chris O'Donnell (@ChrisODonnell18) January 14, 2019
how can we let him go after yesterday ????
— Dan Jones (@Dan125Jones) January 14, 2019
If he's anywhere near fit, what's the point in letting him go if we just have Winks and Skipp fit to play in the middle? Utter madness.
— Paul Skinback (@MrPaulSkinback) January 14, 2019