Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes that Daniel Levy struck an “incredible” transfer deal in the summer.
Tottenham’s unique transfer agreement
The deal Spurs struck with Real Betis back in the summer was groundbreaking, with the Lilywhites agreeing an option to buy Johnny Cardoso next summer as a part of Giovani Lo Celso’s return to his former club.
According to reports, Tottenham have the option of signing the USA international for £25m next summer, and they will get a sell-on clause for the player if they decide against activating the clause (Football.London).
However, Spurs still face the prospect of losing Cardoso to other clubs, with the likes of Aston Villa, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid thought to be eyeing a January move for the midfielder (Estadio Deportivo).
Paul Robinson praises Spurs for smart deal
Robinson is impressed by the kind of deal that Spurs struck in the summer, suggesting that it is a ‘win-win’ situation for the North London side.
The former England man insisted that the USA international would be a tempting option for Ange Postecoglou‘s side, given the kind of performances he has been delivering in Spain.
When asked about Spurs’ agreement for Cardoso, Robinson told Football Insider: “They’re in a win-win situation at Tottenham. You either get a top player in great form, who’s almost doubled his value over the last six months, or they get a share when he’s sold for a fortune.
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“It’s very much a Daniel Levy deal. It’s incredible. They get first dibs on a player, and if he doesn’t sign for them, they get a percentage of his sale. He’s still only 23, got 17 caps for the USA and he’s got room to get better.
“He’s been playing very well for Betis this season and he’s clearly a good player. The Premier League is very different to La Liga with the pace of the game, but he’s definitely an option for them.”
Why a midfielder is not a priority for Spurs
However, Robinson does not think that signing a number six should be a priority for Tottenham. The former Spurs number one questioned where Cardoso would fit in at N17, given the other options that Postecoglou has in the middle of the park.
He added: “There’s an abundance of talent in that Tottenham midfield, but he’s playing well and he’s put in a couple of man-of-the-match performances.
“It’s an interesting one to keep an eye on, but does he start for Spurs? He’d be a good player for the squad but I’m not sure where he fits in. But the deal is one I don’t think we’ve ever seen before.”