Conte makes firm decision on Tanguy Ndombele as £54m Lyon U-turn puts onus on Tottenham

Antonio Conte is adamant there can be no future for Tanguy Ndombele at Tottenham, amid claims that a summer transfer for the midfielder has fallen through.

The Frenchman endured a difficult spell at Spurs following a club-record move from Lyon in 2019. A string of managers, including – very briefly Conte – all struggled to get the best out of the midfielder, who cost a huge £54.2m. During his time at Spurs, Ndombele made 91 appearances, scoring 10 goals.

However, he rarely found his consistent best, meaning it was little surprise when he was allowed to return to Lyon on loan. And the deal that was put in place presented the Ligue 1 side with a chance to sign him on a permanent deal again this summer.

And while he has performed a little better back at Lyon, they are unlikely to take up that £54m option to re-sign the star. Their lack of funds, together with an expected lack of European football next season, makes the transfer highly inplausible.

Indeed, we reported last month how the Ligue 1 club were instead open to another year’s loan next term.

Now, the London Evening Standard claims Ndombele is fully aware a permanent transfer there looks unlikely.

However, rather than welcome Ndombele back into the Spurs fold, it seems Conte’s mind is very much made up.

Indeed, the Italian is adamant that there can be no way back for the 25-year-old midfielder.

Spurs ready to move Ndombele on again

Furthermore, it’s understood Tottenham now plan to offload Ndombele for the best price they can get. And if that means Spurs allowing him to depart on another season’s loan, with a view to buy, then so be it.

Time, as it stands, is still on Tottenham’s side in that regards. Ndombele remains contracted to the club until summer 2025.

However, Spurs are hoping that a good midweek showing by the seven-times capped France midfielder will spark fresh interest in his services.

Spurs desperate to get Ndombele wages off the books

Tanguy Ndombele is finished at Spurs but Tottenham want to make sure his wages are off the books and are willing to talk to Lyon and drop the fee

He was on the scoresheet as they drew 1-1 with West Ham in the Europa League quarter-final first leg.

That was the first goal he’s scored back with Lyon, adding to the two assists he also has to his name.

Lo Celso also finding his feet

Ndombele wasn’t the only Tottenham loanee impressing during the week.

Indeed, Giovani Lo Celso also caught the eye as Villarreal defeated Bayern Munich 1-0 in their Champions League tie. The Argentine also picked up the Man of the Match award in the process.

Assessing his display, Conte insists he is happy to see Lo Celso rediscovering his best form.

“I’m really happy for his great performance,” Conte said. “He needed to play with regularity, with continuity. For this reason he went to Spain in a league he knows very well. And because he played very well, Tottenham bought him when he played in that league.

“To go back there and show he’s in good form is good for everybody. This is true especially because Tottenham paid a lot of money for him. I am very happy because he is playing every game. He’s showing he’s a good player.

“I never said he’s not a good player. I said this league is very difficult because it is not enough to have great quality and it’s important to play with great intensity and strength. But now he is playing with regularity and I am very happy for him. The club made the right choice, yes.”

Spurs return to action when they travel to face Aston Villa on Saturday evening. The match is a chance for Tottenham to claim a fourth straight win – and you can see how we expect Spurs to line up right here.