Emerson Royal to Tottenham Hotspur is a ‘done deal’

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Emerson Royal to Tottenham Hotspur is a ‘done deal’ after the club reached an agreement with Barcelona for a permanent transfer. The reported fee is for €30m, and this is set to make the Brazilian international a Tottenham player until 2026.

We now just await Tottenham’s announcement, which is expected to be made later today.

The Brazilian international has been co-owned by both Real Betis and Barcelona since early 2019, with Emerson Royal making 73 appearances for Real Betis over three seasons.

He displayed his attacking prowess by registering 4 goals and 10 assists during his time at the club. He also played majority of his games at right-back, which is where we can expect Spurs to utilise him this season.

It was only in early June of this year when Barcelona decided to exercise their right with Real Betis to officially make the right-back a fully-owned Barcelona player. However, after just 3 appearances for the club this season, Barcelona have agreed to let Emerson Royal leave the club.

Where does Emerson Royal fit in at Spurs?

All English Premier League

Tottenham now have 4 senior right-backs in their squad – Matt Doherty, Japhet Tanganga, Serge Aurier and now new addition, Emerson Royal. However, reports have been circulating that Spurs are looking to offload Aurier by the end of today and before the transfer window shuts.

Nuno has failed to utilise Matt Doherty so far this season – barring his 7-minute substitute appearance in GW1 – but instead has opted to use Japhet Tanganga as the first-choice right-back in the first 3 games of the 2021/22 Premier League season. He impressed many in GW1 against Manchester City, particularly with his combination of speed and physicality.

Despite this, Nuno now has two very different options at right-back. Tanganga is known more for his defensive abilities, so he may be preferred in games against tougher opposition. Whereas on the other hand, Emerson Royal provides more of an attacking capability from right-back, which Nuno may prefer against weaker, deep-lying teams.

It is worth noting that with two of Spurs’ main centre-backs – Romero and Sanchez – heading off to South America to represent their respective national teams in the World Cup Qualifiers, they will be forced to quarantine for 10 days upon their return to England, which will likely see them miss both GW4 and GW5.

As a result, we may see Tanganga partner up with Dier at centre-back during this short period (depending on Rodon’s fitness). This means we could see Emerson Royal make his Tottenham debut as early as next week when Tottenham travel to Selhurst Park.

Tottenham’s done deals

Joined the club [4 players]

Pierluigi Gollini [Atalanta] Loan
Bryan Gil [Sevilla]
Cristian Romero [Atalanta]
Pape Matar Sarr [Metz]

Left the club [23 players]

Danny Rose [Watford] Free
Paulo Gazzaniga [released]
Enock Asante [released]
Chay Cooper [released]
Keenan Ferguson [released]
George Marsh [AFC Wimbledon]
Rodel Richards [released]
Jack Roles [released]
Aaron Skinner [released]
Kazaiah Sterling [released]
Shilow Tracey [released]
Juan Foyth [Villarreal]
Erik Lamela [Sevilla]
Toby Alderweireld [Al-Duhail]
Troy Parrott [MK Dons]
Kion Etete [Northampton] Loan
Joe Hart [Celtic]
Jubril Okedina [Cambridge United]
Dennis Cirkin [Sunderland]
Alfie Whiteman [Degerfors IF] Loan
TJ Eyoma [Lincoln City]
Pape Matar Sarr [Metz] Loan
Moussa Sissoko [Watford]