Fernando Llorente edges closer to the Tottenham exit door after being dropped entirely for the matchday squad to face Fulham on the 18th August. In the summer of 2017, Chelsea were interested in signing Llorente and it was seen as a boost to Spurs that they eventually signed the striker. Llorente though has failed to shine and being dropped entirely suggests he is not in the manager’s plans.
Fernando Llorente Edges Closer to Exit Door
When Spurs signed Llorente, he was returning to fitness from an injury picked up with Swansea at the end of the previous campaign. He was supposed to be back up for Harry and against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, his hold up play was lauded by many. It was felt he could be an asset in certain games and a clever signing by manager Mauricio Pochettino. In the end, he has become a figure of jibes from fans not impressed with his perceived lack of work rate and desire to play with the cockerel of Spurs on his chest.
America – It was the Land of Opportunity for Fernando
As Spurs touched down for their pre-season visit to the United States minus their numerous World Cup stars, Mauricio Pochettino singled out two players who could use this opportunity to take their chance and impress the boss. One player was Lucas Moura and the other Fernando Llorente. In the previous season, Llorente scored just five goals for Tottenham and three of those came in an FA Cup tie against Rochdale. His movement was laboured and sluggish.
Llorente and Moura seemed to have heard the manager’s comments and both scored twice in a 4-1 victory over Roma. Llorente looked lean and fit and his headed goal, in particular, was what Swansea fans had enjoyed in his time with the Welsh club. Pochettino seemed suitably impressed with both players:
“Of course I am happy when the striker scores and feels the net — Llorente and Lucas Moura. They are working so hard.”
But against AC Milan, Llorente took steps backwards. He hardly moved or got into goal scoring positions. It appeared that he just wasn’t up for the challenge ahead.
Commitment Watch Word for Poch
Pochettino made it very clear after the Fulham game that those who were in the squad had shown commitment to the cause. If Llorente was listening he must have known that his time as a Spurs player was over.
With the transfer window still open across Europe, Spurs will look to cut their losses on a striker that at first looked a shrewd bit of business. Poch looks to be focusing on Lucas, Son and Lamela to work together to be the backup and assistants to Harry Kane. For Tottenham Hotspur and Fernando Llorente, this is one relationship that is headed for divorce.
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