As one of the most transfer-happy clubs in England, Tottenham fans have long grown used to players arriving who barely ever get a game. Others come through the academy and make a small impression before enjoying careers in the Football League and beyond. One player who fits this bill is Cameron Carter-Vickers, the American international from Southend. The talented defender has shown numerous times in the past that he has ability, but has never really put it together for a team for more than a short period of time.
Previous loans spells in the Championship have gone well, but not well enough for a team to commit to signing ‘CCV’ on a permanent deal. However, a recent agreement to send the burly defender up to Scotland, with Glasgow Celtic, appears to have paid off. The defender has enjoyed a wonderful time so far, becoming a mainstay in an ever-changing defence. So much so that he is the only real constant alongside another former Spurs player in Joe Hart.
Impressive performances in the Scottish domestic game and in the UEFA Europa League have seen Spurs look to get the best price they can for the player. With reports at the time that a set fee was agreed, other Scottish media reports suggest that Spurs could net as much as £10m in a total package deal with the Bhoys.
Given the player has been such a major part of the transformation after giving up their famous 10-in-a-row quest, Celtic are believed to be keen to keep the player around. However, if the fee rises to the kind of rates being suggested, it might be hard for the Scottish giants to make the deal work.
Should Spurs sell or keep Cameron Carter-Vickers?
For most fans, it is clear that the defender will not make it at Premier League level – not with Spurs. Despite being talented and composed with the ball, he arguably lacks the outright height and speed needed at the top-end of the Premier League. Being able to move the player on for a fair fee to Scotland would represent good business.
However, the player has enjoyed good seasons on loan before without ever reaching an agreement to sign for his loan club. Is the issue with the player or with the clubs? It might be hard to convince the player to agree permanent terms elsewhere.
Celtic, though, can offer an appeal that clubs in the second tier and bottom end of the Premier League cannot; European football. If the Bhoys win the league up north, they could gain direct entry to the UEFA Champions League group stages.
That might be more appealing for a player who has made clear they intend to break back into the USMNT setup. Given his natural ability and his need to find a stable home for the second half of his career, then, a move to Scotland might work out for all parties.
Spurs, though, need to look out for themselves: if that means selling to a domestic rival for a higher fee, so be it.
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