Tottenham Passed On Watkins, Mourinho Signed Flop

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Post on Nov 03, 2024

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Tottenham Passed on Watkins, Mourinho Signed Flop: A Case of Missed Opportunity?

In the summer of 2020, Tottenham Hotspur were on the hunt for a striker. With Harry Kane's future uncertain, manager Jose Mourinho identified a need for a reliable goalscorer to bolster the attack. While the club was linked with numerous players, two names stood out: Ollie Watkins and Carlos Vinicius.

The Choice: Watkins vs. Vinicius

Ollie Watkins, then a rising star at Brentford, had just enjoyed a phenomenal season in the Championship, scoring 26 goals. His prolific goalscoring ability and potential for Premier League success were undeniable. On the other hand, Carlos Vinicius, a Brazilian striker playing for Benfica, arrived with a decent goalscoring record but lacked the same Premier League experience.

Ultimately, Mourinho opted for the Brazilian, signing Vinicius on loan with a purchase option. This decision left many questioning the logic, as Watkins, the more proven goalscorer, was available for a similar fee.

A Season of Disappointment

The decision to sign Vinicius backfired spectacularly. While Watkins thrived at Aston Villa, scoring 14 goals in his debut season, Vinicius struggled to make an impact at Tottenham. He managed just a meager three goals in 21 appearances, failing to impress Mourinho or win over the fans.

Was It the Right Choice?

Looking back, Tottenham's decision to pass on Watkins and sign Vinicius appears to be a major misstep. Watkins has become a consistent goalscorer for Aston Villa, while Vinicius ultimately left the club without making a significant contribution.

The Verdict: A Missed Opportunity

The signing of Carlos Vinicius is a prime example of how poor decision-making can have significant consequences. While Mourinho had his reasons for opting for the Brazilian, the gamble failed spectacularly. The club missed out on a potentially prolific striker in Ollie Watkins, who went on to flourish at another club. This decision, coupled with other questionable transfers during Mourinho's tenure, ultimately contributed to a period of stagnation for Tottenham.

In the end, the decision to sign Vinicius over Watkins served as a painful reminder of the importance of making informed choices in the transfer market. It's a lesson that Tottenham, and indeed all football clubs, should take to heart.