Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League • England

Conte has ‘lost all confidence’ in Tottenham struggler whose future is now in serious doubt – report

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Antonio Conte is unlikely to give much gametime to one defender who might now have to explore an exit from the club, a report has revealed.

Conte has had his favourites while in charge of Tottenham. Some of his backup squad members have not seen much gametime at all. With Spurs sitting in the top four at the time of the World Cup break, those in question might not be able to complain too much.

Still, the individuals will be hoping for a change in their fortunes in 2023. In some cases, it might mean leaving the club.

The likes of Lucas Moura, Bryan Gil, Japhet Tanganga, Pape Matar Sarr and Matt Doherty are among those whose futures in north London could be in serious doubt.

Another is Davinson Sanchez, who hasn’t lived up to expectations at the club since joining from Ajax in 2017, but is still under contract until 2024.

According to the Colombian version of Marca, Conte has “lost all confidence” in the 26-year-old. Indeed, his chances of playing regularly under the Italian tactician have become “remote”.

The report details a number of ways in which Sanchez has been letting Conte down. His flaws include a lack of ability on the ball and ineffectiveness at keeping up with his opponents.

Conte has given more Premier League starts to Eric Dier, Cristian Romero, Ben Davies and Clement Lenglet at centre-back than Sanchez this season.

Davinson Sanchez should be looking for his next club

Therefore, the Colombia international will have to start seriously considering his future. Next year could be an ideal time for him to leave, while Spurs can still cash in on him.

They are unlikely to be able to recoup the €42million they paid for him originally, which would equate to around £36million.

That said, it is about time they got Sanchez off the books if they are not going to use him. It would also be in the player’s own best interests.

Where he might end up is another question. It is unlikely he has done enough to convince other Premier League clubs to invest in him.

His only previous clubs were Atletico Nacional in his native Colombia and Ajax in the Dutch Eredivisie. A new experience might await him in 2023.

Across his entire Tottenham career, Sanchez has made 193 appearances, scoring five goals. This season, he has played 12 times in all competitions, but only seven of those appearances have been starts.

Whether Tottenham are trying to invest further in their defence remains to be seen. But if they do, Sanchez would be shunted even further down the pecking order.

For his own good, his time with Tottenham might end next year – either in January or the summer.

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