BBC: PSG to make loan move for Dele this January

We’re just a couple of weeks away from the January transfer window opening, so it’s kind of curious that we haven’t really gotten many reports from the transfer rumor mill in recent days and weeks. Part of that is no doubt due to the late start of the Premier League and compressed nature of the current schedule, but it’s still noticeable.

That said, there’s a new rumor emerging about Tottenham Hotspur attacking midfielder Dele, and it’s a doozy. According to the BBC, Dele is still a high valued transfer window target by PSG, and they are planning to make another loan approach for him when the window opens.

When the BBC does a transfer rumor that isn’t part of their compiled “rumors” column compiled from other sources, it kind of makes you sit up and take notice. That’s what we’ve got here. Simon Stone notes that PSG wanted to purchase Dele this summer, but Daniel Levy blocked any deal from taking place. But Dele hasn’t played in a Premier League match since October and not at all since an 8 minute cameo against LASK in the Europa League on December 3.

Something’s clearly going on and I’m starting to think it has less to do with Dele playing his way back into Mourinho’s good graces and more with Mourinho just not thinking Dele fits in with what he wants for this Tottenham side. He’s not even getting into the easy games, and although he’s played well enough in the brief appearances he’s had it’s not been enough for him to even sniff the Premier League squad. For a guy who wants to make England’s EURO squad this summer, that’s not great.

I’ll always like Dele and at this point I just want what’s best for him, even if it’s not with Spurs. Therefore, a loan to PSG makes sense. He’s probably at his lowest valuation at the moment, but if Levy can engineer a loan with a hefty purchase clause and if Dele can go to PSG or elsewhere and play well, it could benefit all parties. He could get minutes with a very good Champions League team in the spring, play his way into a move, and hopefully get back in the frame for England. Spurs might possibly get a much better fee this summer than they might otherwise if they try to sell him outright.

I’m not happy about how Dele’s been marginalized, but he could do very well with PSG. At this point if his situation can be settled in the short term it’s probably best for everyone.