BBC Sport have revealed that Tottenham missed out on Ansu Fati this summer despite Ange Postecoglou calling the forward in an attempt to persuade him to join the North London club.
Tottenham concluded a deadline-day deal for Brennan Johnson, with several outlets indicating at the time that the 22-year-old was Postecoglou’s top attacking target (The Telegraph).
However, right until 24 hours before the transfer deadline, there were some suggestions that Spurs could sign Fati instead of the Wales international (Sky Sports), but the Barca star eventually ended up joining Brighton on a season-long loan.
The Athletic explained last month until a couple of days before the window closed, the 20-year-old thought that he was on his way to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but in the end, his head was turned by the Brighton project.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – AUGUST 08: Ansu Fati of FC Barcelona waves the supporters during the presentation prior to the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on August 08, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Postecoglou spoke to Fati but couldn’t convince him
BBC Sport have claimed that Spurs were in pole position to snap up Fati and that the player even had a ‘long chat’ with Postecoglou.
However, they allege that it was the persuasive skills of Brighton coach Roberto de Zerbi that convinced the Barca academy graduate to head to the South Coast instead.
Spurs Web Opinion
I suspect that Tottenham would have moved for Fati ahead of Johnson if Barca were open to a permanent sale or adding a permanent option with the loan deal.
I do not think Spurs would have been particularly keen on a straight loan deal, which seems to be the only formula that the Catalan club were interested in.
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