Tottenham hijacked Everton’s move for Moussa Sissoko on the transfer deadline day.
The 27-year-old Newcastle United midfielder was set to sign for Everton, with many newspapers in England claiming that the deal was sealed. But Tottenham’s late approach for the player saw Everton losing out on the French internationals signature.
Very happy to join @SpursOfficial for the next 5 years ! pic.twitter.com/2KLe0Hmd4V
— Moussa Sissoko (@MoussaSissoko) August 31, 2016
The deal was confirmed by Sissoko through his Twitter account, just two minutes before the 11 PM deadline.
Sissoko had an awful last season with Newcastle United, but had a miraculous return of form in the EURO 2016.
Meanwhile, Spurs have equaled their club fee record to sign the 27-year-old by splashing out £30 million. Spurs had spent the same amount to buy Eric Lamela in 2013.
On Newcastle’s end, the club set a £30 million price tag on the player, however the Toons were willing to allow the payments to be made in installments, whereas, Spurs CEO Daniel Levy, once-again left it till the very last minute to sign one of Mauricio Pochettino’s main transfer targets.
CONFIRMED: We are delighted to announce the signing of @MoussaSissoko from Newcastle United. #SissokoSigns ? pic.twitter.com/eoA5QAaEsJ
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 31, 2016
Sissoko joins Spurs on a 5-year deal, and is expected to make his debut once the Premier League season commences after the international break.
Meanwhile, Everton were left in shambles by Sissoko, as the Toffees had a private jet sent to get the 27-year-old to the Merseyside, which he never boarded.
Ronald Koeman called the player, but only to be left high and dry as the player never answered his calls.
In the end, Everton were left embarrassed. However, the club tried to save face, stating that were withdrawing interest from the player, but by-then the world knew what had transpired behind the scene.