The Mirror report that Tottenham Hotspur have once again registered their interest in Malaga striker Sandro Ramirez. The north London club were keen to sew up a deal last campaign but Barcelona’s buy-back clause (Sport) being only sticking point. Months later, the Spanish outfit offloaded the prodigious forward to their league rivals.
Knowing the role inside out, he continued his sublime form at his new club, registering 7 goals and 1 assist in 17 La Liga matches and is apparently back on Mauricio Pochettino’s radar.
For the uninitiated, here’s a lowdown about the 21-year-old. He came through the ranks at Barcelona’s well-known La Masia academy after joining from his hometown side Las Palmas at the tender age of 14 in 2009. Despite being a fresh podium to pounce, he instantly impressed with the Barcelona B squad, notching 15 goals out of 61 appearances. His impressive numbers opened the first team doors and he was on par with his reputation, bagging 7 goals in only 32 outings.
Besides his purple patch for Malaga this season, another key point that has captured the attention of the former Southampton boss is his release clause. Ramirez is now shackled with a £6.9 million freedom fee but in the summer, Spurs will only have to fork out £5.2 million. Having bagged mixed reviews in the previous summer signings, this sort of bargain buy would be much more appealing for Pochettino.
No doubt, Tottenham are coasting in the league due to their well-oiled first team. Squad depths are admirable too yet they might have an issue if the striker slot requires some reshuffling if Harry Kane picks up an injury. With young forward Shayon Harrison sealing a loan move to League Two side Yeovil until the end of the season, Vincent Jannsen is the only one in the box-seat as Kane’s deputy. The Dutchman has been struggling to replicate his AZ Alkmaar form that got the north London club splashing £17 million in the previous window. As the fans are heavily comparing him with former flop Roberto Soldado, the clamour for another striker is gradually growing and Ramirez is clearly a favourable option.
The Spanish international comprise a healthy blend of movement, prowess in front of goal and most importantly, versatility to play across the attacking trident. With a bright bundle of young stars delivering week in week out under Pochettino’s guidance, the gamble may be just well worth.
Tottenham Hotspur put on a valiant performance in the 2-2 draw against Manchester City last weekend, coming back from 2 goals down. They currently sit 3rd, 9 points adrift of table-topper Chelsea. Next up, the Lilywhites will face Wycombe in the FA Cup Fourth Round, followed by a trip to the Stadium of Light to square off relegation-battling Sunderland.
