We haven’t heard much in the news lately about Saido Berahino and Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in signing him this summer. That’s because after a year of failed bids and bitter relations with Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace, it probably isn't going to happen.
Despite reports earlier this spring that Spurs and West Brom had agreed to a “deal in principle” to sign Berahino when the transfer window opens next month, the latest indications are that Spurs have in fact moved on and are prioritizing other targets, like AZ Alkmaar’s Vincent Janssen and Marseille’s Michy Batshuayi.
The Birmingham Mail, one of the best regional papers for midlands football club rumors, has pretty much thrown in the towel on Berahino’s “dream transfer” to Spurs. The aborted transfers from last summer’s saga combined with Berahino’s form (and attitude) taking a nose-dive have more or less put the kibosh on these rumors.
Sky journalist Lyall Thomas corroborates, saying that while Watford appears to have bid for Berahino, Spurs are no longer in the picture.
#WatfordFC have bid for Berahino. One of three clubs who've enquired this week. (From @petecolley) #WBA More on #SSNHQ now.
— Lyall Thomas (@SkySportsLyall) June 10, 2016
Asked whether Spurs were one of the three clubs who were interested:
No they're not #THFC https://t.co/sTBpVtKHV3
— Lyall Thomas (@SkySportsLyall) June 10, 2016
So what’s next for Berahino? Well, with one year left on his contract, a move is probably likely. Berahino seems to have burned his bridges at Albion, and Tony Pulis no longer really seems to want him there. Besides Watford, the Mail report suggests that Stoke City are still interested, but Berahino wants European football (in some form). Regardless, wherever Berahino goes, it probably won’t be to Tottenham.
RIP Little Bear.