Last minutes madness”- Levy accused of Denying Spurs man his wish ‘at the last minute’

Tottenham’s Transfer Tactics Strike Again: Bryan Gil Reveals Frustration Over Blocked Move to Valencia
Tottenham Hotspur have long developed a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most challenging clubs to negotiate with, and much of that reputation stems from the hard-nosed approach of club chairman Daniel Levy.

Whether it’s signing players or letting them leave, Levy is known for standing firm during transfer negotiations — often to the frustration of players, agents, and rival clubs alike.

Over the years, numerous players have found themselves entangled in protracted negotiations when trying to leave Spurs. One of the most memorable cases is that of Luka Modric, who openly admitted he “resented” Levy for the way his transfer to Real Madrid was handled more than a decade ago. Now, another player has added his name to that growing list — Spanish winger Bryan Gil.

Bryan Gil Opens Up on Failed Valencia Return

Gil, who was signed by Tottenham in a £22 million deal from Sevilla in 2021 — a deal that also saw Erik Lamela head the other way — was initially considered a bright prospect for the future. The then-teenager was touted as a technically gifted wide player with flair, creativity, and the potential to become a long-term asset in north London.
But his time in the Premier League has been far from smooth. The 23-year-old has struggled to secure regular playing time under multiple managers and has instead found himself repeatedly loaned back to La Liga. His first loan came in January 2022, when he joined Valencia for the second half of the season. Gil impressed during his brief stint at the Mestalla, and both the player and the club were keen to reunite for a longer period the following summer.

Speaking recently to Super Deporte, Gil revealed just how close he came to returning to Valencia permanently — only for Tottenham to pull the plug at the last possible moment.

“I didn’t decide to stay,” he explained. “I was going to return to Valencia for the whole season. Negotiations were ongoing, and they told me it was basically done. It was 99 per cent complete — they had even spoken to the sporting director. I had already packed my bags, confident I was leaving.”

However, to Gil’s dismay, the deal never crossed the finish line.

“At the last minute, they told me no. That I had to stay. It wasn’t my decision. I wanted to go, and they didn’t let me. I was completely ready to leave — it was incredibly frustrating.”

A Career Stalled by Uncertainty

Since then, Gil’s career has continued in limbo. Although he remained at Tottenham that summer, the club eventually allowed him to leave on loan again just six months later, this time back to Sevilla in January 2023. That spell was followed by another loan move, this time to Girona, for the entirety of the 2024/25 campaign.

Unfortunately, the Girona loan did little to revive his fortunes. While the winger showed glimpses of the creativity and flair that once made him one of Spain’s most exciting young talents, the numbers paint a disappointing picture. Over the course of the season, Gil managed just seven direct goal contributions, a return that simply isn’t enough for a player of his supposed caliber.

A Tottenham Exit Looks Inevitable

With Gil now set to return to Tottenham in July, the signs are clear — his future does not lie in north London. Despite the talent he showed as a teenager, his time at Spurs has been defined by stalled momentum, limited opportunities, and failed transfers. His recent comments only reinforce the idea that he is a player desperate for a fresh start — and one who was denied that opportunity by the club’s hierarchy.
Given Tottenham’s ambitions under Ange Postecoglou and the expected squad overhaul this summer, it would make sense for the club to finally part ways with Gil. A permanent transfer could benefit all parties: Gil would get the consistent playing time he needs to resurrect his career, while Spurs could recoup some of their investment and free up space for more fitting options.
Bryan Gil’s story serves as another chapter in the saga of Tottenham’s tough transfer dealings — a reminder that under Daniel Levy’s watch, no departure is ever straightforward, even when it appears all but confirmed.