Saido Berahino offers insight into ‘unacceptable’ Daniel Levy negotiation that saw Tottenham transfer collapse
Saido Berahino has blamed Daniel Levy for his move to Tottenham collapsing in 2015.
The Burundi international enjoyed a stunning 2014/15 season for West Brom where he banged in 20 goals in all competitions – with 14 coming in the Premier League.
A lengthy transfer saga then played out in the summer, where then-Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino had four bids rejected for Berahino’s services.
Berahino even submitted a transfer request in his attempt to link up with the north London giants, which was rejected by West Brom.
It was reported at the time that Levy was prepared to fork out just £6million up front for the striker, with the Baggies holding out for around £30m.
As a result, Tottenham pulled out of the deal on deadline day, with Berahino failing to recapture his form after seeing his big move fall through.
And now the centre forward, who eventually linked up with Stoke in 2017, has lifted the lid on the negotiations between the two teams during an open Q&A session on social media.
Taking to X, one football fan asked: “What actually happened behind closed doors for this move to fall through? Was it West Brom moved the goal posts? Or did Spurs do something to scupper the deal?”
To which Berahino replied: “Right, Spurs payments were unacceptable and West Brom wanted £30m.
“But Levy would pay £1.5m and the rest in instalments.”
One Tottenham supporter then posed the question: “How close were you to joining Spurs?”
He even joked with another that he may even be playing for Real Madrid if he had got the move to London, but now only wants to play for Spurs on FIFA.
Following his failed switch, Berahino has never managed to reach double figures again in a single season.
In 56 games at Stoke in all competitions, he found the back just five times – with none coming in the top-flight.
It was an unhappy spell at Stoke, and spells at Belgian sides Zulte Waregem and Charleroi soon followed, before he enjoyed some success at Sheffield Wednesday.
He is currently playing for Cypriot outfit AEL Limassol, but looks set to be on the lookout for a new club with his contract soon to expire.
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