It looks increasingly unlikely that Bayer Leverkusen will take a chance on Roberto Soldado, the out of form Tottenham Hotspur striker.
The White Hart Lane club used part of the world record fee they received from Real Madrid for Gareth Bale to sign Soldado, who arrived in the capital in the summer of 2013 for £26million. However, the Spaniard has endured a miserable time in England, scoring just 15 goals in 55 appearances in all competitions, of which only seven have come in the Premier League.
With the emergence of Harry Kane, who has more league goals this season than Soldado has managed in two, the former Valencia frontman is no longer considered a first team pick. It had been reported that Bayer Leverkusen were willing to offer the 29-year-old the chance to reignite his career during an initial loan spell in the Bundesliga, but this does not appear to be the case.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, Sky Deutschland reporter Laura Lutz revealed: “We talked to the managing director of Bayer Leverkusen and he says he doesn’t want his club to be linked with this player [Soldado]. They want to keep striker Josip Drmic, so if they keep him they won’t need Roberto Soldado. In Germany we really think this move isn’t going to happen.”
Despite his lack of success in England, it would be a surprise if Soldado didn’t receive interest from his homeland. During his time at the Mestalla he was one of the most prolific goalscorers in La Liga, scoring 59 goals in 101 appearances. Prior to this he was also a regular amongst the goals during a two-year stint with Getafe, hitting the back of the net 29 times from 60 matches.
Meanwhile, one player who looks certain to leave Spurs is Kyle Naughton. The 26-year-old fullback joined the Londoners from Sheffield United in July 2009, but has made just 42 Premier League appearances and has spent time on loan at Middlesbrough, Leicester City and Norwich City. He is now poised to join Swansea City on a permanent deal for around £5million.
Can Soldado still have a future at White Hart Lane, or has he had his chance? Let us know what you think by joining in with the discussion below.
