Delaney: Tottenham weighing move for Al-Ittihad winger Moussa Diaby

That is the place I actually miss the superior statistics that FBRef used to supply all of us plebians without spending a dime, since I not am capable of depend on my data of Inexperienced Bars to see what Diaby may supply Spurs. RIP. Alas, we soldier on — Diaby had a breakout season with Villa a few years in the past and the Villains promptly cashed in when Saudi Arabia got here calling, promoting him for £50m 18 months in the past. Diaby is seemingly prepared to depart the Kingdom, and whereas Inter Milan is seen as being the closest to hanging a deal, Delaney says there’s a gap for Spurs to hijack in the event that they determine that is their man to bolster the squad.

I’m not going to faux that I’ve watched Diaby in any respect at Al-Ittihad, however I do bear in mind him from his Villa days, and he’s a enjoyable participant. He’s a speedster, a left-footed proper winger primarily identified for his capacity to run in behind the road from the wing, one thing that’s a reasonably helpful talent to have. For those who learn that and assume We actually simply offered Brennan Johnson who did that effectively you’re not flawed, however that was Brennan’s solely priceless talent, whereas Diaby can do different stuff too — he can really dribble a man for one factor and has a reasonably good end on him, and he is aware of easy methods to discover his teammates. Final season he had 5 targets and 14 assists for Al-Ittihad and in his one season with Villa he ended up with 6G+8A. Not too shabby. If Spurs are searching for an actual choice to play instead of Mohammed Kudus and possibly even play forward of him, Diaby’s a good possibility, particularly in January.

The thought is that though Inter appear to be forward of this switch, Diaby would possibly want a return to England, and particularly to a Premier League workforce nonetheless within the Champions League (even when it’s unlikely Spurs can be taking part in there subsequent season). Delaney doesn’t say how a lot it could price to pry him out of Saudi Arabia, however I’d really feel fairly assured they might supply greater than no matter it’s Inter is providing. Diaby additionally needs to try to make France’s World Cup squad and he’ll have a much bigger platform at Spurs than he would staying with Al-Ittihad.

I don’t hate this. Whereas this doesn’t scream “it is a plan,” at this level I believe Spurs simply want good choices that aren’t injured and that may enhance the workforce within the brief time period. Diaby’s 26 so he’s in all probability at or close to his peak, however he may supply one thing that’s not very obvious within the workforce proper now. I’d take him. Let’s see if Spurs, and Diaby, agree.