Tottenham star likely to ‘head back home’ as Antonio Conte trust levels continue to bite
Former Tottenham defender Alan Hutton has tipped a current star to quit the club and return to Spain if his lack of game time does not improve.
Bryan Gil has made just six appearances for Spurs this season and was on the bench again for the 4-3 comeback win over Leeds in north London on Sunday.
The 21-year-old has not been trusted to start a game as yet. That’s despite Antonio Conte having Son Heung-min, Lucas Moura, Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison all missing at different stages of the season.
The talented Spain international still has four years remaining on the contract he signed in 2021.
The biggest hindrance to his chances of playing continues to be that he lacks the physicality to perform in England.
And Hutton thinks that could be an issue, if Gil was allowed to drop down a division into the Championship.
Indeed, Hutton states that a return to his homeland makes much more sense.
Gil actually made 17 appearances on loan at Villarreal last season, providing one assist.
And Hutton told Football Insider: “His skill level is way up there, but his physicality is not there for the Championship.
“I have had to play there before. Everybody is 110 per cent committed, they are physical.
“If you are looking at going back to Spain, these type of things where his profile fits in so much better. He is technically gifted, he gets that time on the ball and makes things happen.
“He is probably looking to go back home, a team like Valencia that would suit his talents.”
Gil faces major January decision
Gil has been working on his strength and conditioning since the summer and will have another month to do so during the upcoming World Cup break.
However, in all likelihood it will all be with a view to securing an exit in January.
Much will depend though on whether Tottenham can land a replacement for the talented winger in the new year.
Conte’s squad has shown up to be fairly thin in the first stage of the season. To that end, the Italian is expected to add at least two of three new faces to bolster his team.
A new centre-back, right-back and attacking midfielder are all on the club’s radar.
Tottenham’s next game will be at Brentford in the Premier League on Boxing Day.
