Roberto De Zerbi has finally addressed Mikey Moore and his future at Spurs for the first time. The Tottenham manager had previously kept counsel regarding his young winger and his potential future. He has done nothing but confirm exactly what Ibrox Noise has said about Mikey Moore to Rangers.
Mikey Moore is not ready for Spurs
That is to say, Mikey Moore is not ready for the Tottenham first team yet. He would likely be looking at a loan, probably to a top five league side. The likes of Borussia Dortmund have been heavily linked as a temporary location for him to develop.
De Zerbi has also confirmed, of course, that he is bringing in new players for that position. It is important for the youngster, Moore, to gain experience and minutes at a high level.
He made no mention of Rangers whatsoever, nor specifically of a sale. However, he confirmed that it might be better for Moore to get minutes elsewhere to develop.
The Premier League is another level
Moore is now 18. We cannot say that Moore is a world class player. He shone fairly well at Rangers in front of Tuur Rommens, but that was Rangers and the Scottish Premiership. The Premier League is a whole other beast.
Spurs fans have been very pleased with how Moore has bulked up during his time in Scotland. He does look much more befitting of a physical Premier League player. However, that does not mean he is good enough.
Time will tell whether De Zerbi rates the lad as good enough for the Spurs matchday squad, indeed, the senior squad. For now, it appears that he is keener to loan him out.
He said:
“We have to see. We have to analyse the last part of the transfer market, because we try to bring wingers, and then we speak with him, with his agent, with the club, to find the best solution for everyone.”
Rangers return appears unlikely
However, the chance of that loan going towards Rangers is next to zero. Moore will not develop any further at Ibrox. This does not mean there is anything wrong with Derek McInnes’ reign. It is simply that the Premiership has its limits.
There is the Europa League, but Moore was already shining in that competition for Spurs back in the day. He was only 17 at the time. Doing that again for Rangers does not really develop him. However, doing it for Spurs in the PL would.
Even more so, playing for a team in a top five league would be ideal for Moore. That could mean anyone in Italy, Germany, Spain or France. He could become a stronger, more rounded player and perhaps become ready for the Spurs first team.
De Zerbi plans a Premier League assault
They plan a serious assault on the Premier League. They will not necessarily win it next season, but they want to become a much more credible team. They can perhaps break into the top places and maybe secure a European position.
They do not think that Moore is quite ready for that level yet. He may be getting close, but who knows?
The point is that the chance of De Zerbi wanting Mikey Moore to Rangers is essentially close to zero. That remains the case even if some clickbait press have reported otherwise.