Spurs thought they'd signed the new Mousa Dembele under Poch, then he left for free

Tottenham Hotspur may lack the trophy cabinet of other top clubs, but they’ve been home to remarkable talent over the past decade. Names like Harry Kane and Son Heung-min stand out, their partnership widely recognized as one of the Premier League’s finest.

Yet, while Kane and Son receive deserved acclaim, another star of the 2010s often goes underappreciated: Mousa Dembélé. His brilliance was instrumental, with his skillset marking him as a uniquely gifted midfielder in the Premier League.

Yet, in a strange twist of fate, a later Spurs signing would be compared to Dembélé, only for things to go disastrously wrong.

Dembélé’s career at Spurs began after he made a strong impression with Fulham, prompting Tottenham to secure his services for £15 million in 2012.

Joining at 25, the Belgian quickly showed his worth, scoring on his debut in a 1-1 draw with Norwich City and earning a regular spot on the team sheet. Over time, he became a vital presence in Tottenham’s lineup, and with the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino as manager in 2014, Dembélé’s influence only grew.

Pochettino famously admired the midfielder’s talent, even likening him to legendary players like Diego Maradona, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Ronaldinho. The Argentine manager went as far as to say that had he worked with Dembélé at a younger age, he could have become one of the best players globally.

Despite his extraordinary skills, Dembélé’s career at Tottenham was hampered by persistent injuries. These setbacks eventually led to his departure in 2019, as he was sold to Chinese club Guangzhou R&F for £11 million.

In total, Dembélé made 249 appearances, scoring ten goals and providing ten assists. His departure left a significant void in Tottenham’s midfield, sparking a search for a replacement that summer. The player identified as Dembélé’s potential successor, however, would end up being one of the club’s most high-profile flops.

Tanguy Ndombele, the man brought in to emulate Dembélé’s style, arrived at Spurs in 2019 with high expectations. The French midfielder had impressed at Lyon, combining physicality with technical skill in a manner reminiscent of Dembélé.

Many in the football world predicted he’d bring similar strength and control to Tottenham’s midfield, with publications like Metro and the Guardian comparing his playstyle to Dembélé’s.

Unfortunately, these predictions would prove overly optimistic, as Ndombele struggled to adapt to life in North London. The £63 million investment quickly soured, with Ndombele failing to secure a consistent role in the team.

During his time at Tottenham, Ndombele managed only 91 appearances, scoring ten goals and providing nine assists. Though his early games hinted at potential, consistency eluded him, and his performances failed to meet the high expectations set upon him.

His lack of success at Spurs led to a series of loan moves, including a short return to Lyon in 2022, a stint with Napoli for the 2022/23 season, and another loan to Galatasaray for 2023/24.

None of these moves helped him regain form, and he left Tottenham for OGC Nice on a free transfer after his contract expired, leaving the club with no return on their investment.

Looking back, Ndombele’s time at Spurs ranks among the club’s most disappointing transfers, especially when compared to Dembélé’s influential role in Tottenham’s midfield.

Dembélé’s legacy at Spurs remains strong, not only for his contributions on the field but for the admiration he garnered from teammates and managers alike.

The comparisons to Dembélé that once surrounded Ndombele now seem unfounded, as the Frenchman was unable to replicate the level of influence or impact expected of him. Ultimately, the contrast between the two players highlights how challenging it is to replace a truly unique talent like Dembélé.

Spurs thought they’d signed the new Mousa Dembele under Poch, then he left for free

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