Signed by Nuno, now worth 293% more: Spurs have hit the jackpot on “unplayable” star
Tottenham Hotspur’s season has been a nightmare on the pitch, leaving fans and pundits alike disheartened by the team’s performance. Ange Postecoglou’s side has struggled in the Premier League, and with their recent elimination from both domestic cup competitions, their only remaining chance for silverware lies in the Europa League.
Despite these setbacks, a few silver linings have emerged, particularly with young players making their mark in the first team. Additionally, some members of the squad have managed to see their market valuations increase, including one notable signing made during Nuno Espírito Santo’s brief tenure as manager.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s time at Tottenham was far from successful. Appointed in the summer of 2021, he lasted only four months in the role, leaving with a record of seven losses and one draw in his first 17 matches.
Despite his short stint, Nuno made a mix of good and bad signings, with the results of his recruitment still evident today. Among his less successful acquisitions was Emerson Royal, brought in from Barcelona for approximately £26 million.
Reports later revealed Barcelona was astonished by Tottenham’s willingness to pay such a fee for the player. Emerson struggled to live up to expectations, and while not entirely dreadful, he failed to impress consistently.
Eventually, Tottenham offloaded him to AC Milan for just £13 million, cutting their losses on a player who couldn’t meet the club’s demands.
However, not all of Nuno’s signings were disappointing. Cristian Romero, an Argentine defender, proved to be a fantastic addition to the squad.
Joining on a season-long loan with an option to buy for £46.7 million, Romero overcame a slow start, hindered by injuries and team struggles, to become one of Tottenham’s standout performers.
His commanding presence in defense earned him recognition as one of the club’s co-vice-captains in 2023.
With 112 appearances, seven goals, and one assist to his name, Romero’s impact has been undeniable, and his absence due to injuries this season has highlighted his importance to the team.
While Romero has cemented his place as one of the top players at the club, he isn’t the Nuno signing whose market value has experienced the most significant rise.
That honor belongs to Pape Matar Sarr, a Senegalese midfielder signed from FC Metz for around £15 million in August 2021. Sarr’s development has been impressive, and his market valuation has skyrocketed.
According to the CIES Football Observatory, Sarr is now worth approximately €70.7 million, or £59 million, representing a remarkable 293% increase from his original transfer fee.
Sarr’s growth as a player has been evident both domestically and internationally. Despite being only 22 years old, he has already amassed substantial experience. His statistics illustrate his contributions:
| Team | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Goal Involvements per Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spurs | 86 | 8 | 6 | 0.16 |
| FC Metz | 59 | 5 | 3 | 0.13 |
| Senegal | 24 | 1 | 2 | 0.12 |
Sarr’s versatility and ability to perform in central and defensive midfield positions have earned him praise, with some referring to him as “unplayable.”
His eight goals and six assists for Tottenham reflect his ability to influence matches, while his 24 senior caps for Senegal highlight his experience on the international stage. As he continues to grow, Sarr appears destined for a bright future in North London.
Although this season has been challenging for Tottenham, it is clear that the club still possesses talented players capable of achieving great things.
The emergence of young stars and the development of players like Sarr offer hope for better days ahead. Nuno Espírito Santo may not have left a lasting legacy as a manager, but his recruitment of Romero and Sarr has had a significant impact on the team.
These two signings, particularly Sarr, underscore the potential for long-term success at Tottenham, even in the face of current struggles.
As the season progresses, the focus will remain on Postecoglou’s ability to turn things around. However, the growth of players like Sarr provides a glimmer of hope for the future, suggesting that better times could be on the horizon for Tottenham Hotspur.