It’s probably a good thing Tottenham Hotspur aren’t playing at Goodison Park until next season.
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Moussa Sissoko snubbed Everton in the final hours of the summer transfer window on Wednesday as the French international midfielder left Ronald Koeman and his staff hanging and he decided to join Tottenham instead.
Second-tier Newcastle United had agreed a $39 million fee first with Everton and then with Spurs for the enigmatic midfielder and some stunning details have emerged about how Sissoko treated the Toffees in the final moments of the window.
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According to widespread reports Everton had sent a private jet to France for Sissoko to get on... but he didn’t get on it. Everton also had the medical set up and after looking to have tied up all the loose ends. Koeman then repeatedly called Sissoko’s number to congratulate him on the move and welcome him to Everton. Except, Sissoko didn’t pick up and as the deadline edged closer Everton had that sinking feeling. Sissoko was, of course, already heading to Tottenham to seal the deal.
Now, many will say “that’s the business” and you’re right. However, to treat a man of Koeman’s stature in this manner is just not on. Everton believed they had a deal for Sissoko but he simply wouldn’t answer their calls once Spurs became interested. He could’ve at least had the decency to say, “look, I’m heading to Spurs. I really appreciate the offer and I hope you understand.”
I guess he didn’t want to jinx the deal with Spurs and his plan was to cover all his bases in case of any last minute complications. Yet, the fact that these details have emerged suggest that Everton are not happy at all with Sissoko and his agent.
Those actions have led to plenty of ridicule around the globe at how Sissoko played Everton.
At 27, Sissoko is entering his prime but as we’ve seen so many times with him in the past -- and as Newcastle fans can attest to -- he blows so hot and cold. When he wants to turn up and play, like he did for France during EURO 2016, he is a world beater. Yet so often during Newcastle’s battle against relegation last season he disappeared when they needed him most.
Below is footage of the player Spurs fans hope they’re getting but as we all know by now, things are never quite that simple when Sissoko is around...
Like what you see, @SpursOfficial fans...? #SissokoSigns pic.twitter.com/mERZZ8cMnB
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 1, 2016