Tottenham have issued an ultimatum to Sergio Reguilon, the last remaining player they want to offload, with the Turkish transfer window deadline fast approaching, according to multiple reports.
Over the summer, Tottenham successfully cleared out several unwanted players from their squad. Among those to leave were Eric Dier, Ivan Perisic, Ryan Sessegnon, Japhet Tanganga, Joe Rodon, Emerson Royal, Tanguy Ndombele, Oliver Skipp, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Giovani Lo Celso, Manor Solomon, Bryan Gil, Alejo Veliz, Troy Parrott, and Dane Scarlett.
Left-back Sergio Reguilon was also expected to leave, as he does not fit into Ange Postecoglou’s tactical plans. The Athletic, referring to Reguilon as the “last man standing” among Tottenham’s outcasts, explained that Postecoglou prefers full-backs who play inside and contribute to build-up play. Reguilon, on the other hand, is known for overlapping runs and delivering crosses, a style not suited to Postecoglou’s system.
Despite being made available for transfer, a move for Reguilon failed to materialize. Journalist Ben Jacobs reported that Tottenham is partly to blame, as they pushed for either a permanent transfer or a loan deal with an obligation to buy. However, most interested clubs only wanted a standard loan without any such obligation.
Now, Reguilon remains at Spurs with a bleak outlook for the season. Alongside fellow full-back Djed Spence, he was excluded from Tottenham’s Europa League squad for the group stage. With his contract set to expire next summer, Spurs are focusing on offloading him to Turkey, where the transfer window is still open until September 13.
According to Football Insider, Tottenham has given Reguilon a “Turkish ultimatum,” meaning he must join a Turkish club or face being sidelined until the January transfer window. Fenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho, is reportedly considering a late move for Reguilon or Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell.
The question remains: Why not use Reguilon as a backup to Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies if he stays? However, Postecoglou hinted that Reguilon would not be reintegrated into the first team even if he remains at the club. He noted that players like Reguilon, who failed to secure moves away, don’t necessarily need to be brought back into the squad, emphasizing that his approach to the first team won’t change.
With limited exit options, Tottenham might be forced to accept an unfavorable loan deal without a buy option just to get Reguilon off their wage bill. While such a move wouldn’t generate a transfer fee, it would save on wages and remove a player who, according to The Athletic, can be difficult to manage when not playing regularly.
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