Only a Matter of Time Before Berbatov Leaves Spurs

It was most probably Berbatov’s agent Emil Dantchev who leaked the news to the press, and by doing so, we can assume he wants to send a strong message to Tottenham’s board that the player is dissatisfied. At the same time, the news also alerts the other clubs out there that Berbatov could be open to a move away from White Hart Lane if he doesn’t get what he wants.

While it must have been frustrating for Spurs fans and Berbatov to see the Bulgarian sitting on the bench for the last two league matches, I don’t blame new Tottenham boss Juande Ramos for wanting to play a different attack against Middlesbrough this past Saturday. The Spaniard wants to try different players so he can see firsthand whether or not they’ll fit into his system that he’s building.

While today’s meeting between Berbatov’s agent and Comolli will undoubtedly resolve any issues the Bulgarian may have with not playing, the question is how much longer will Berbatov stick with Tottenham? As is often the case, top players in the league are plucked away by larger clubs. For examples from one club, Man United, they swooped in to take Louis Saha from Fulham and Michael Carrick from Spurs in recent years.

It’s only a matter of time before Berbatov leaves Spurs.

When Berbatov does move away, Manchester United will be the likely suitor especially seeing that Berbatov appears to be the natural successor to Ruud van Nistelrooy. A player who can sit in front of Wayne Rooney or Carlos Tevez to knock the ball into the back of the net.

Of course, Berbatov has much more to offer than just being a fox in the box. The player has incredible heading experience especially to knock balls on to Robbie Keane. The Bulgarian also has an incredible pace and given half an opportunity will likely score in the narrowest of angles.

Other than Man United, Chelsea could be a fruitful destination for the player especially considering that Didier Drogba will be playing in the African Nations Cup in January. If Chelsea was able to offload Shevchenko in the January transfer window and pick up Berbatov as a replacement, the club would be unstoppable in the league and Champions League.

Within reason, Spurs needs to do everything they can to keep the striker in North London. But ultimately money talks and if Tottenham is offered a princely sum to let Berbatov move away from White Hart Lane, I don’t think the club will ignore the offer even if Juande Ramos wants Berbatov to be a large part of the future of the club.