Benjamin Stambouli became Tottenham’s sixth summer signing last year after turning down Marseille in favour of playing in the Premier League, just as many of his team mates did after Montpellier’s unexpected pipping of PSG to the Ligue 1 title in 2012 and subsequent dismantling of the squad – Olivier Giroud to Arsenal, Rémy Cabella and Yanga-Mbiwa to Newcastle. A year on, having started only 4 league games and being logically surpassed by the younger Bentaleb and Mason in the Spurs squad, the Frenchman has had a decidedly average first year in England. It was no surprise when he was rumoured to join Etienne Capoue at big-spending promoted Watford – however, it was less so when PSG reportedly emerged as a possible destination instead.

While his uninspiring season and lack of playing time saw him move down the pecking order to be a regular benchwarmer at White Hart Lane, it seems PSG have seen him as a viable replacement for the outgoing Yohan Cabaye (himself a regular benchwarmer in Paris). Unconvincing as he was over the last year, there is no doubt that Stambouli can do well in Ligue 1: having played a part in the aforementioned shock season where Montpellier defied the odds to win the title, he had consistently proved to be a dynamic part of their midfield – in his final season at the club he won more tackles than anyone – 84. Having a player proven in the league with a decent amount of experience at a relatively modest price – 7m euro (higher, however, than the 5.9m euro Spurs payed) – may prove to be a positive move for the Parisians. Additionally, having already made his ‘big’ move to England, Stambouli will be unlikebly to move out again (then again, his salary at PSG will probably make sure of that anyway). With Thiago Motta expected to leave as well, he may also see more action than his outgoing compatriot did – and definitely more than at Spurs -, and could also play a part in PSG’s Champions League campaign, a competition he has already seen with Montpellier.

However, Stambouli’s tough-tackling and versatile style of play offers a different option to Laurent Blanc than Cabaye’s deep-lying playmaker role – a position he has also taken up in the national team. While Stambouli’s passing is at a similarly good level, his versatility, having played at centre back in the past, may see him become more than just a bench warmer as Cabaye was. So, while not being a like for like replacement, a return to more comfortable surroundings and an increase in playing time – on top of a nice paycheck and living in Paris – could see Stambouli become a key part of PSG’s squad next season, who will have to show more rotation if they are to compete on more than just a domestic level.