Tottenham’s Defensive Shuffle
Tottenham Hotspur has been managing a defensive overhaul, with Emerson Royal finding himself increasingly on the fringes of the squad. With Pedro Porro emerging as the preferred right-back, Emerson’s appearances last season were mostly due to injuries among the defenders. Despite playing 22 Premier League games, his future at the club remained uncertain as Tottenham sought a new right-back, considering Issa Kabore as a potential candidate.
Emerson’s Milan Move: A Long Time Coming
Interest from AC Milan in Emerson Royal was strong this summer. According to football insider Fabrizio Romano, Emerson had already agreed to personal terms with Milan as early as May. He had even turned down four or five other offers, demonstrating his commitment to the Milan project. However, despite Emerson’s eagerness, negotiations between Tottenham and Milan dragged on for three months.
The Transfer Fee: A Sticking Point
Tottenham initially resisted Milan’s efforts to sign Emerson, with chairman Daniel Levy holding out for a higher fee. TEAMtalk recently reported that a bid of around £13 million was rejected, with Tottenham valuing Emerson at closer to £21 million. However, Romano has now confirmed that the clubs have reached an agreement, with Milan set to pay a package ‘in excess’ of €15 million (approximately £13 million). The exact figure remains unclear, but the deal is now close to completion.
Romano’s ‘Here We Go’: The Final Seal
Fabrizio Romano’s signature phrase, “here we go,” signals that the transfer is virtually a done deal. Emerson Royal is expected to travel to Milan shortly, where he will be officially unveiled as their new player, ending a prolonged transfer saga.