London: Moussa Sissoko’s pounds 30 million (Dh147 million) move to Tottenham was the most acrimonious of deadline day, with the Frenchman refusing to answer his phone or board a private plane to Everton.
Here’s how it happened:
Stage One: Gently agitating for a move in May 2016 Moussa Sissoko, wearing the captain’s armband, is relegated with Newcastle United. He produces one of his best performances in a shock thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur. However, Newcastle supporters are tired of him repeatedly giving interviews in France to talk about his desire to play in the Champions League. His form, particularly in the 2015-16 campaign, has been poor.
Stage Two: Putting himself in shop window June 2016 In a series of interviews, both before and during the European Championship, Sissoko stresses he has no desire to stay at Newcastle following relegation. Sunday, July 10 Sissoko delivers a man-of-the-match performance in the final against Portugal.
Stage Three: Mounting frustration End of July Newcastle raise their asking price from pounds 22 million to pounds 35 million. Owner Mike Ashley is furious at seeing Sissoko play so well for his country after so many ineffective games for his club. First week in August Sissoko is forced to return to pre-season training with Newcastle. West Bromwich Albion, though, are the only club to make a bid, which is dismissed as “derisory.” Sissoko does not figure in any of the opening six games of the season.
Stage Four: It’s Everton or Tottenham Transfer deadline day, 8am Sissoko leaves France’s training camp at Clairefontaine after Tottenham contact his advisers to say they will make an offer. Catches a flight to London. 9am Newcastle receive an opening bid of pounds 15.95 million from Spurs, which is later raised to pounds 18 million. 10am Newcastle tell Spurs they have lowered the asking price to pounds 30 million. 11am Tottenham break off negotiations. Newcastle expect Sissoko to stay. 2pm Everton tell Newcastle they are willing to match the asking price after they receive a call from Sissoko’s representatives telling them he wants to sign for them. 3pm Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino tells chief executive Daniel Levy that he wants Sissoko, regardless of the fee.
Stage Five: Everton in the box seat 4pm Everton believe they have agreed personal terms and tell manager Ronald Koeman Sissoko has agreed to join. 6pm Newcastle are told Sissoko, who remains in London, would rather sign for Tottenham. 7pm Everton organise for him to be flown to Liverpool via a private jet.
Stage Six: He goes rogue 8pm Repeated attempts by Everton to contact Sissoko and his agent fail. He even refuses to return a call from Koeman to welcome him to the club. 9pm Newcastle agree a fee of pounds 30 million with Spurs. Sissoko has already agreed personal terms.
Stage Seven: Gets his move 10pm Everton end their interest and Sissoko starts a medical at Tottenham. 10.58pm Sissoko posts a picture on Twitter saying he is delighted to have signed for Tottenham. Premier League receive paperwork from Spurs to say they have signed Sissoko.
