He failed a medical ahead of Tottenham transfer but has since scored over 100 goals
Yesterday at 03:15 PM
Tottenham have missed out on their fair share of transfers over the years.
Some of these scenarios work out for the best, and some are painful.
Eden Hazard almost joined Tottenham under Harry Redknapp but Daniel Levy wouldn't pay the money.
Hazard would've been a transformational signing at Tottenham, but, sadly, a deal couldn't be done.
Meanwhile, Saido Berahino almost joined Spurs during his prime, but that deal collapsed – leading to the rise of Harry Kane at Spurs, so that worked out for the best.
Another player who almost signed for Tottenham a few years ago has since gone on to score over 100 career goals in multiple leagues. In fact, this player even had a medical at Spurs at one point.
Moussa Dembele almost joined Tottenham
Back in 2012, Tottenham signed Mousa Dembele from Fulham. The Belgian midfielder became a star at Spurs, and, a few years later, they tried to repeat the trick.
Indeed, in 2016, Spurs tried to sign Moussa Dembele from Fulham – the French striker this time.
A deal was all-but agreed in the January transfer window, but, according to MyLondon, Dembele failed a medical at the eleventh hour.
The French striker would eventually join Celtic that summer, before spells at Lyon, Atletico Madrid and in the Saudi Pro League.
Dembele was meant to join Spurs for just £6m, but he eventually moved for £30m when he joined Lyon.
That £30m fee was worth it too as Dembele scored tons of goals for Lyon.
Moussa Dembele’s career after failed Tottenham move | Games | Goals | Assists |
Celtic | 94 | 51 | 18 |
Lyon | 172 | 70 | 19 |
Atletico Madrid – loan | 7 | 0 | 0 |
Al-Ettifaq | 41 | 17 | 3 |
Total | 314 | 138 | 40 |
Tottenham seriously missed out here, and Dembele could have been a real gem of a signing from Fulham.
Indeed, during this time, Spurs did struggle for a backup striker. They had the likes of Fernando Llorente and Carlos Vinicius at certain times, while Tottenham even tried to sign Troy Deeney, but Dembele likely would've been a great option.
Tottenham signings from Fulham
Spurs missed out on Dembele from Fulham back in 2016, but they have raided the Cottagers on more than a few occasions in the past.
Indeed, Spurs often like to pinch Fulham's top talents, and while they didn't get their hands on Dembele, they did take a few other Fulham players over the years.
Tottenham signings from Fulham |
Sean Davis |
Steed Malbranque |
Mousa Dembele |
Clint Dempsey |
Ryan Sessegnon |
All in all, this list is quite hit-and-miss.
Mousa Dembele Mark 1 was a top player for Spurs. In fact, Dembele was incredibly underrated during his time at Spurs.
Meanwhile, Clint Dempsey only lasted at Tottenham for one season, while Ryan Sessegnon had bad luck with injuries.
Sessegnon had a good spell under Antonio Conte, but, sadly, he spent most of his time at Spurs in the treatment room.
Sean Davis and Steed Malbranque were trusty servants for Spurs too.
Tottenham haven't signed a player from Fulham since Sessegnon, but Spurs were linked with Andreas Pereira earlier this year, so perhaps this is a well that could be revisited in the near future.