Tainio first, who next?

By: Gary | July 26th, 2008

Spurs waved goodbye to the first of four players linked with a summer move to Sunderland earlier this week.

Dynamic midfield man Teemu Tainio became Roy Keane’s maiden White Hart Lane capture for an undisclosed- although he has expressed his interest in adding more Tottenham outcasts to his ranks.

The Irishman was reported to have launched a mega £23 million offer for the services of Steed Marlbranque, Pascal Chimbonda, Younes Kaboul and Tainio.

The proposed deal seemed a match made in heaven with the Weirsiders desperate to bolster their squad ahead of the new campaign, and Spurs trying to raise capital to aid big money moves for wanted wide men David Bentley and Diego Capel.

But as we know football is never that easy and Keane may have to land his men in a number of visits. While Juande Ramos will have to wait a little longer to fully top-up his summer war chest.

But the Finn’s departure this week indicates negotiations are well underway as the Black Cats chief continues to push for his transfer targets.

A surplus to requirements Tainio made the move look simple as has headed for the Stadium of Light in seek of first team football, a commidty he has been limited to since the arrival of Ramos last October.

For this reason his transfer comes of little surprise to us but it seems Tainio could be just the first in a group of names heading to join the Black Cats.

Chimbonda’s move is believed to be imminent. Iit is reported a deal for the French full-back will see him become the club’s highest ever earner - thus explaining the contract delay.

But the ease of Tainio’s departure tells us an awful lot about the man we have just let go.

The Finn is a no fuss player. He is an honest midfielder who will work hard for his place in the side but not kick off when things don’t go his way.

His attitude is impeccable and his discipline on the football pitch invaluable. He sticks to task well and has produced some of the most tidy and efficient Tottenham displays on a consistent basis.

He is not fazed by the big games and the big names and would fit in well to any squad.

He has adapted to life in England admirably since making his free transfer from French outfit Auxere three years ago, and surely will go on to be a massive hit with Sunderland.

It is sad to see any player which such a quality level of commitment and graft leave the club, but I expect this move to be the making of him.

In the end, Tainio merely became a victim of his own versatility. His ability to perform in a whole list of positions rather than stamp a claim in one area ultimately cost him a place in the squad.

The emergence of youth starlet Jamie O’Hara probably didn’t help his cause either. The young Englishman brought a number of similar attributes to the Spurs ranks. But O’Hara’s greater drive and tenacity probably proved decisive.

What is our loss is certainly Sunderland’s gain though as I am quite sure he will become one of the best Premiership signings of the summer.

The chance for Tainio to take a more dominant role in the Black Cats midfield will see him flourish. He has shown he can be reliable and industrious but with enhanced freedom I suspect his attacking qualities which we saw glimpses of, will exude.

Thanks Teemu, and good luck…