Tottenham Hotspur were reportedly tracking a young goalkeeper from Sweden, but latest reports indicate that their hopes could be in jeopardy. According to reports from Fotboll Direkt, Swedish youngster Pontus Dahlberg, who has been tracked by the North London biggies Tottenham and Arsenal, could make a move Serie A side Napoli.
The IFK Goteborg ‘keeper has been tracked by the Lilywhites with a view to make a move in the winter transfer window, but it has now emerged that Napoli held talks with the player’s agent earlier this month. I don’t think that would have been a mere courtesy call, so the discussion would have been regarding a potential transfer.
The 18-year-old was tracked in the summer by Tottenham and it was reported by the Swedish press that Spurs were keen on signing him.
However, it now appears that Napoli have moved ahead of the pecking order by stepping up their interest in the youngster, who is already playing first-team football. According to these reports, Napoli’s sporting director Cristiano Guintoli has met the player’s agent after a Europa League game.
There are official inquiries already made by the Italian club for the stopper who has made it to Sweden’s Under-21 side. Apparently, Napoli are looking to sign the player in the January transfer window and him back on loan until the end of the season.
Is that the deal clincher? It may well be, as clubs will be reluctant to lose their first-team players midway through the season, no matter how much premium the clubs are willing to pay.
I think there is enough talent in the youngster for him to be thought of as a future star. So, Mauricio Pochettino should see him as a future competitor to Hugo Lloris. However, if the club is serious about the player, they need to make a quick dash.
Napoli have taken the first steps but there is still a chance for the Lilywhites to go for the young ‘keeper. We should probably strike a suitable deal for all the parties and then push for it ahead of the January window.
What do you think?