Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson has predicted that Tanguy Ndombele could be sat in the stands every week after failing to secure a move away from the club in the summer.
The Frenchman, who is still Spurs’ record signing, has so far failed to hit the heights hoped for him following his big-money move from Lyon two years ago.
He has not quite managed to convince Jose Mourinho or indeed his compatriot Nuno Espirito Santo, the latter leaving him out of his matchday squads completely thus far.
It was expected that he would be moved on by the club and it was reported that the midfielder himself requested to leave this summer.
In the end, a move did not transpire, with a decision being taken at board level to retain Ndombele, football.london understands.
Despite that, Robinson has suggested that his fortunes are unlikely to improve unless he increases his performance levels in north London.
Talking to Football Insider, he said: "He's still the club's record transfer.
"His wages are going to be huge and if he’s surplus to requirements, it’s going to be a difficult season for him. There are clearly issues off the field because it’s not just one manager he’s had a problem with, it’s both of them.
"When he plays and he’s on it, he looks brilliant but he doesn’t do it enough. It’s a catch 22 situation now because Spurs aren’t going to recoup anywhere near £60million if he’s not in the first team.
"If he does knuckle down there’s a role for him, it’s a really difficult situation. They could end up with a very expensive player on huge wages sat in the stands every week."
Ndombele has made 75 appearances for Spurs in two seasons, scoring eight goals. He has four years left to run on his current contract in north London.
