According to Don Balon (h/t talkSport), Tottenham are lining up a £16m offer for Huachipato’s Yeferson Soteldo. The young playmaker shone against England, in June’s U20 World Cup final.
The North-London club are reportedly ready to swoop for the 20-year old talent next summer after the player finished one more year in South America.
Soteldo has been exciting the Venezuelan football fans, and looks like the brightest of a gifted pool of youngsters they currently have coming through the youth ranks. In a country which sees baseball as it’s national sport, their future in football looks bright. The report also claims that Watford are interested in making a move for Soteldo.
Standing at just 5ft 3 inches tall, he is known for his mazy dribbling and impressive vision. Those who have seen him, may draw comparisons with Lionel Messi. However, many have been given the same compliment over the past few years.
Soteldo currently plays in Chile, for Huachipato. He moved there in January from Zamora FC. But he is expected to make the step up to European football soon.
The youngster impressed many in the U20 World Cup final against England last month. Despite having to wait for his chance from the bench, due to injury, Soteldo entered the field and made an impact with almost immediate effect.
His ball control and explosive play caused the Three Lions all kinds of problems, as they tried to close out a first men’s football World Cup win since 1966.
Soteldo eventually finished on the losing side that day, but he did his reputation no harm. It is no coincidence that Premier League clubs are now beginning to queue for his signature.
If he is to spend another season in Chile, then he will have plenty more offers by the time he does decide to move on. As a young man, he has time to make the right decision.
Talented youngsters who move to European football from South America, can be a hit or a miss. Whoever signs Soteldo will be hoping that he turns out to be more of a Ronaldinho or Messi, than a Kleberson or Paulinho!
