Lamela leaving Tottenham makes sense for everyone involved
In an interview with Football Insider (h/t Football.London), ex-Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has suggested that Spurs should look to sell Erik Lamela. The Spurs winger has failed to cement a starting spot since his arrival from AS Roma in 2013 for £25.7million.
Whelan further suggested that Mourinho should lay off Lamela soon, as Spurs may not get better offers for him later than they would right now. With a stacked Spurs frontline, Lamela will find it increasingly difficult to break into the starting XI. (h/t Football.London)
Lamela will find it tough to break into a stacked Spurs frontline
Tottenham Hotspur possess quite arguably the most stacked flanks in the league on paper. Alongside Erik Lamela, Spurs had Steven Bergwijn, Son Heung-Min, and Lucas Moura at the end of last season. To add to that, the Lilywhites went out and brought in ex-player Gareth Bale on loan from Real Madrid in the summer.
Considering the quality Spurs possess on the flanks, Erik Lamela may find it increasingly difficult to get starts in the team. Mourinho has visibly preferred Lucas Moura and Son Heung-Min this season, with Gareth Bale also getting starts in recent games. In comparison, Lamela has just two league starts this season.
The Argentine winger also started just 12 out of Spurs’ 38 league games last season, and this was without Gareth Bale in the team. Lamela came on 13 times as a substitute in that season, which underlines his role at the club. In fact, 67 of his 159 appearances in the league for Spurs have been from the bench. (h/t transfermarkt)
Why it makes sense for Lamela to leave Spurs
Lamela is 28 and has a few good years of football still left in him. While it is obvious that he is way down Mourinho’s pecking order, there will be other clubs that can give him more starts. Once labeled a prodigal talent, the Argentine has struggled to cement himself as a starter in his 7 years at the club.
Lamela’s last appearance for the Argentine national team came back in November 2018. If he wants to play for La Abiceleste again, he must look to join a team that gives him the time, trust, and freedom to express himself. Players generally experience their prime before they hit 30. If that applies to Lamela, then he should be looking to capitalize on his next couple of years.
Verdict
The right time for Tottenham to sell Erik Lamela will be January. The Argentine has 18 months left on his contract, and clubs around Europe will be scrambling for signings as they try to deal with injuries and a congested fixture list. Mourinho can get a decent sum for the Argentine, who turns 29 next year.
With Spurs clearly having a set attack that does not feature Lamela, they will be wise to part ways with the ex-Roma winger. Mourinho might not feel his absence in the attack, as he only managed 2 goals in his 25 Premier League appearances last season.
