Tottenham Hotspur striker Fernando Llorente has revealed he would be open to a return to his former club Athletic Bilbao in the January transfer window.
Llorente, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has scored just six goals for Spurs since arriving from Swansea City in the summer of 2017 and could go back to Spain next month.
Is Llorente surplus to requirements at Tottenham? Five things you need to know…
- Llorente came in to provide cover for Harry Kane but has rarely started for Spurs.
- The 33-year-old has found the net six times across all competitions – three of those goals came in an FA Cup tie against League One side Rochdale.
- When Kane is rested, Mauricio Pochettino often opts for a wide-forward – such as Son Heung-min or Lucas Moura – to play through the middle instead.
- Llorente has now revealed his desire to return to Athetlic Bilbao, and Pochettino has refused to rule out an exit.
- The Spaniard scored 118 goals in 333 appearances in his first spell at Bilbao before leaving for Juventus in 2013.
“My aim is to have an important role in a team,” Lorente told Cadena Ser, as reported by Football Espana.
“Would I want to return to Athletic? Yes I would like to return, if I had the opportunity to do so and if they want to speak to me.
“There is the option of another year on my contract here (at Tottenham) but the decision does not depend on me, it is up to the clubs to negotiate.”
Pochettino opens door to Llorente exit
Pochettino was asked about Llorente’s comments in his press conference ahead of Tottenham’s Premier League clash with Burnley at Wembley this weekend.
The Argentinian admitted he is yet to talk to Llorente about his future, but hinted a deal could happen if it is right for the player and the club.
“Still we didn’t talk, I promise you,” Pochettino said (via Football London). “There’s a lot of things that have been happening in the last month and we’re so focused on competing in the best way every three days.
“I think it’s not a thing we need to plan too much, because sometimes in football when the moment arrives we’re going to talk and we’re going to decide the best for the team, for the club and for the player of course.
“We’ll see the priority of the player, the priority of the club. But I think still we have a few weeks and then we’ll see what happens and it’s sure we’re going to try to take the best decision for the player of course but for the club too.”
Llorente is rarely called upon by Pochettino, although he has sometimes been used as a late substitute if Spurs are in need of a goal.
The striker came off the bench and provided an assist for Harry Kane in Tottenham’s Champions League victory over PSV Eindhoven last month.
However, his hold-up play can’t hold a candle to that of Kane, meaning Pochettino usually explores other options up front when Kane isn’t available.
The post Spurs striker Fernando Llorente open to Athletic Bilbao return appeared first on Squawka News.
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