Tottenham defender Emerson Royal could be heading towards the exit door in the near future, according to an update from Spurs insider John Wenham.
The Lowdown: Emerson falls down the pecking order?
The 23-year-old was sent-off for a reckless foul in the 3-1 defeat at Arsenal earlier this month, a mistake that won’t have endeared him to Antonio Conte.
His subsequent suspension has seen Matt Doherty handed opportunities to shine at right wing-back, with the Irishman impressing much like he did in the second half of last season.
It could even be that the Brazilian’s time at Spurs is drawing to an end despite his emergence as the first-choice to begin this campaign.
The Latest: Doherty’s place to lose
Speaking to Football Insider, Wenham of insider news channel Lilywhite Rose talked up an exit at some point in the near future, admitting the former Barcelona starlet could struggle to get back in the team:
“I hope it is hard for Emerson to get back in now. I hope Matt Doherty continues to impress, he’s been incredible. At Man United last year, we had this really good run of form going into the game and Doherty had been playing really well.
“In that game, he had a poor time and Man United really targeted him so this game is a big test for him. If he comes through that with flying colours and we win then it will be very, very difficult to take him out of the team.
“I don’t think too many people would be upset by that because Emerson has been underwhelming for a while now. Spence played as well so if he can continue to get minutes it is hard to see how Royal gets back into the side.”
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The Verdict: Time to go?
Emerson has certainly shown glimpses in a Tottenham shirt this term – Lucas Moura has said his compatriot has a ‘great future’ – but there are lingering doubts over whether he is good enough, particularly offensively, with plenty of his displays last season coming in for criticism.
With Doherty and Spence both representing good options in the same position, it could be time to part ways with the defender at the end of the season.
These coming months could almost act as an audition for Emerson, Doherty and Spence, in terms of showing Conte who the best choice is moving forward, but with a contract running until 2026, the club may be tempted to cash in next summer if the former cannot force his way back in.