KEY POINTS

  • Wolverhampton opts to retain Adama Traore despite interest from Tottenham
  • Nuno's desired reunion with Traore will not happen this season
  • Bruno Lage considers Traore a vital part of Wolverhampton’s campaign

Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo was looking forward to reuniting with Spanish winger Adama Traore, but it appears that will have to wait.

Reports have come out that Wolverhampton has decided to keep the 25-year-old player, dealing Tottenham a big blow in its pursuit of Traore.

Tottenham and Wolverhampton were reportedly engaged in talks over the possible transfer of the Spanish winger although the £5 million ($6.8 million) loan offer with an option to buy at the end of the season was shunned.

Traore has two years left in his current deal with the Wolves and was reportedly looking forward to working again with Nuno, considering the latter was able to unleash his potential the last time they worked together.

Despite the interest of Traore, it was not enough to sway Wolverhampton into sealing a deal. It appears he remains an integral part of the Wolves, something that head coach Bruno Lage addressed after their win over Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, August 24.

“Yes, I think so [he will stay], we want to create a strong side, a better side to be competitive,” Lage stated. “We need competition for a long Premier League season and the League Cup, if players are not fit we need people to come in for them.”

This development comes not long after the Spurs reached an agreement to sign Pape Matar Sarr from FC Metz.

Tottenham agreed to a £14.6 million ($20 million) deal for the wonderkid although he will stay on with the Ligue 1 club on loan for the rest of the season.

Adama Traore of Wolverhampton Wanderers
Adama Traore during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley at Molineux on April 25, 2021, in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. Getty Images/Matthew Ashton - AMA

The Spurs are hoping that by staying with the Metz for one more season despite being on loan, he would be able to continue his development before suiting up for Tottenham that may happen as early as next season.

Although Tottenham appears to be aggressive in pulling in new faces, some players are expected to leave the Spurs. That includes Serge Aurier and Tanguy Ndombele who are expected to move to new teams before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

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