Back in 2019, Jose Mourinho replaced Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham after the now-Chelsea boss had spent the last five years in the Spurs hotseat – but Mourinho’s Spurs tenure hardly went to plan.
Spurs hardly did anything under Mourinho, struggling to qualify for Europe at times and ultimately going backwards under the ‘Special One’. It was the start of a poor period for Spurs, under negative managers.
Indeed, next came Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte – both known for their pragmatic approach to football. This season, that has changed – with the arrival of Ange Postecoglou from Celtic last summer.
The Aussie gaffer has got Spurs playing a new type of football, one that fans love. There is the odd heavy result, like Saturday’s 4-0 loss to Newcastle, but they are well-placed to push for fourth place in the table.
Defender denied dream Tottenham move in 2019
Following Mourinho’s appointment as manager, the ex-Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United boss needed to sign a defender. Eventually, he was forced to promote Japhet Tanganga from the academy.
But, it might have been that he could have signed Christian Luyindama. The defender, now 30 and a free agent, has been speaking to Fotospor in Turkey of how he was close to completing a “dream” move.
To either Tottenham, or Villa. Starring at Galatasaray, reports said Villa were willing to pay £13.5m. He says he was close to a move to England, only to pick up a knee injury for DR Congo back in November 2019.
“I had many offers, Tottenham and Aston Villa. I had to play against Gambia and then go back to Istanbul to finalise the details. I got a knee injury and my transfer didn’t happen. I couldn’t realise my dreams.”
What has happened to Christian Luyindama since failed move?
Things have gone downhill for Luyindama, since his failed to move to Tottenham or Villa. He went on loan to Antalyaspor and Saudi Arabian club Al-Taawoun – but he managed just 22 games for them in total.
His injury has really taken its toll, and last summer the centre-back saw his contract at Galatasaray expire. He is yet to find himself a new club though there is a belief he is heading to the Chinese Super League.
A shame for Luyindama, who might have been a really solid signing in the Premier League. Good in the air, physical and quick at the back – he might have even suited Postecoglou’s side now, before his injury.
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