Having arrived two years ago among a clutch of post-Gareth Bale acquisitions, expectations were high as Spurs forked out what was a club-record £26million fee.
However, Soldado failed to reach the heights he scaled during his time with Valencia and is now set to leave north London to return to his homeland.
Pictures emerged on Thursday morning of the striker at Gatwick Airport, where he reportedly told fans a move to Villarreal beckoned.
Erik Lamela's hastily-deleted tweet wishing Soldado "the best in your new club" fuelled talk further, with head coach Pochettino confirming an exit is on the cards.
"I think there is a lot of rumours today," he said
"I think you know sometimes something happens in football, but at the moment nothing to say.
"But if something happens, the club announces at that moment
But so far nothing changes.
"It is true that the club gave permission (for Roberto) to go to Spain
All that happens after, the club announces if something happens or not."
Soldado will follow a number of frustrating recent signings out of White Hart Lane, with Paulinho, Etienne Capoue, Benjamin Stambouli and Vlad Chiriches all having left this summer.
Former captain Younes Kaboul has also departed the club - a route Emmanuel Adebayor and Aaron Lennon are set to follow.
"You know - I explained I think in the last press conference - he is not in my plans," Pochettino said of Adebayor.
"He is not in my plans and he knows from the end of the last season
We spoke with him and with Aaron Lennon and it is all clear
There's nothing to say different to last week."
However, Pochettino is keen to keep Andros Townsend at the club and laughed off the continuing speculation surrounding Harry Kane.
"Of course, he is a big part of my plan, Harry Kane," he said.
"I think we are confident and his commitment is fantastic with the club
It is only rumours, no?"
Spurs' summer transfer activity has mainly revolved around those leaving White Hart Lane, with Toby Alderweireld, Kevin Wimmer and Kieran Trippier the only arrivals.
However, Lyon forward Clinton N'Jie is understood to be close to joining them - speculation Pochettino was coy about, although he was more forthcoming when it came to strengthening his strike force.
"Yes, this is true but we are working to take the right profile, the right player," he said.
"But we don't take a rash decision
We wait for the good opportunity to bring in."
Asked if he needs two new strikers, Pochettino said: "No, I think one more and we have different players that can play like a striker.
"We have different offensive players that can play in different options, but I think we don't need too much players to bring (in)."
Transfer talk dominated Tottenham's press conference ahead of the Premier League clash with Stoke.
Hugo Lloris is fit to start at White Hart Lane after recovering from a fractured wrist, while Danny Rose, Townsend and Alex Pritchard are available.
Source : PA
Source: PA