Spurs sign Lyon's Ndombele for club record fee
The French midfielder was the standout performer for Lyon last season and was high on the agenda of several of Europe’s top clubs, including Real Madrid.
Tottenham have confirmed the signing of Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon for a club record fee of 62 million euros.
The 22-year-old, who passed a medical earlier this Tuesday in London, has signed a six-year deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The French defensive midfielder was the standout performer for Lyon last season and was high on the agenda of several of Europe’s top clubs, including Real Madrid and Manchester United, but in the end chose to join Mauricio Pochettino’s project in North London.
Ndombele’s 62-million-euro fee (plus 10 million in add-ons) surpasses the club’s previous record of 40 million euros paid to Ajax for Davinson Sánchez in 2017.
Following Spur’s announcement, Lyon took to social media to thank the French international “for his involvement with the club since his arrival in 2017 and congratulate him for his professionalism and performance that has allowed him to join the France national team.”
After signing from Ligue 2 side SC Amiens in 2017, Ndombele made 96 appearances for Lyon, scoring four goals and providing 16 assists, and played an instrumental role in the club achieving a third-place finish in Ligue 1 last season.
France coach Didier Deschamps gave the 22-year-old midfielder his senior international debut in October against Iceland, and he has since made another five appearances for Les Bleus.
Spurs also announce singing of Jack Clarke from Leeds
Hours before confirming Ndombele’s move on Tuesday, Spurs also announced the acquisition of Leeds United teenager Jack Clarke, who became the club’s first official signing since Lucas Moura in January, 2018.
Spurs will pay Leeds 11 million euros for the 18-year-old, whom they have described “as a lively winger with an eye for goal.”
Clarke signs for the North London club after featuring for Championship side on 25 occasions last season, in which he netted two goals against Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
The the young midfielder is set to continue at Elland Road next season, where he will stay on loan.
Ndombele and Clark bring Spurs total spend on summer signings to 71 million euros, as Argentine coach Pochettino looks to build on his side’s success last season, which saw them finish third in the Premier League and reach the Champions League final.