The confirmation of Christian Eriksen’s move to Inter Milan today means that Erik Lamela is the last man standing from the ‘Magnificent Seven’ lineup of signings who were bought with the Gareth Bale money in 2013.
BREAKING | We are delighted to announce the winner of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ competition is Argentinian midfielder Erik Lamela.#THFC #COYS pic.twitter.com/Y7PKjbtLDy
— Last Word On Spurs🎙 (@LastWordOnSpurs) January 28, 2020
But on the same day that the Argentine winger won the Spurs equivalent of the Hunger Games, he has reportedly been served up as striker bait.
The Times understands that both Lamela and his compatriot Juan Foyth have been offered to AC Milan in part exchange for Krzysztof Piatek. Apparently we are not prepared to pay the £30m asking price – which is very believable – but are still trying to get a deal done before the deadline.
While the prospect of using Foyth, who has only made three starts all season and been overtaken by Japhet Tanganga as, to broker a transfer for a badly-needed striker, was widely agreed to be smart business by the Spurs Twittersphere, there were plenty of Lamela loyalists pleading for his future.
Lamela???? Get outta town.
— Kas ⚽️ (@kdunks83) January 28, 2020
There’s no way Jose would let Lamela leave.
— Rohit Karna (@DeleTubbies20) January 28, 2020
And he shouldn’t leave. Always gives everything on the pitch.
Lamela is hopefully going nowhere,
— kristian hansen (@kripaha) January 28, 2020
He is part of reason for the improved quality lately of the team play.
YOU CAN’T LET THIS GUY GO! pic.twitter.com/mKJgY6Q2PR
— PepeJAM (@ThatOneJuicer) January 28, 2020
I really don’t understand why Lamela is being offered?
— Christina (@christiinaa_l) January 28, 2020
Not Lamela !!! 😡 pic.twitter.com/JBridnsdd2
— Dr Echo (@Drblahblahblah1) January 28, 2020
I must be in the minority that thinks this would be a good opportunity to move Lamela on after six and a half years of false dawns, especially with Steven Bergwijn soon to add to our wide options, according to BBC Sport.
MORE: 50 Seconds Of Bergwijn Skinning Eredivisie Defenders
Same Cincy. My son has a signed Lamela ball and top. Fingers crossed.
Foyth yes, he’s just not very good. Coco, no.
I totally agree with this. Lamela brings some grit to the attacking front. He is not afraid to do the dirty work and for me I appreciate that. I do wish the guy could stay healthy and if he cant then he can’t be counted on so I understand he may need to go. Still doesn’t mean I want him to go I’d really like him to play an entire season and see what he does.
I don’t think we will see Lamela go this window. Bergwin will need time to settle in so Lamela will be a key player for us for a while yet IMO. Jesus I’d nearly stick him up front instead of some of the dross we’ve been linked with.
Woods a real handful, and something different from what we already have.
Don’t know him but I appreciate your description. Have we been linked anywhere?
Absolutely on the money here.
😂 my keyboard had a mind of its own!
Sad sad day if this is true, Levy loves to pull the pants down on anyone with their back to him. Piatek average at best, stick to the Prem and go and get Woods from Burnley, a perfect fit, physical, tall and a footballing brain.
I’m a Lamela fan, he brings an energy to the forward third, where we have a few one way runners. But his injury history and age go against him and now is the right business move and we know what that means. My biggest problem is Piatek, nowhere near a top 4 side. Giroud or Willian Jose would give a physical presence which is needed.
He’s not my type but each to their own 😳
I like Lamela but I’d understand. He’s too injury prone to rely on sadly.