Tottenham’s academy starlet Reo Griffiths has again grabbed the headlines with a brilliant showing for Scott Parker’s U18s side which thrashed Reading 4-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre in the Under-18 Premier League.
The 17-year-old striker came into the limelight when reports emerged that Bundesliga side RB Leipzig were keeping a keen eye on his development. However, if any move is likely to happen, it will only be a temporary deal, quotes a report from the Mirror. Also, what could give Leipzig un upper hand in the speculation is the presence of the former Southampton and Spurs scout Paul Mitchell.
Mitchell is known for his keen scouting abilities and was behind the discovery of Liverpool’s Sadio Mané and Spurs’ Dele Alli.
According to the claims, Mitchell is currently working keen on acquiring Griffiths for his new employers (Leipzig), with the last season’s league runners-up looking to add to their already impressive collection of talented young players. Griffiths is yet to turn into a professional and doesn’t turn so 18 until June, which is just four days before the summer transfer window.
The Bundesliga club are hoping that the 17-year-old might pick up an inspiration from former Manchester City youngster Jadon Sancho who moved to Borussia Dortmund from the Etihad last summer.
Germany is turning out to be a popular destination for youngsters to begin their senior football career. Jadon Sancho, Everton’s Ademola Lookman (RB Leipzig) and West Ham United’s Reece Oxford (Borussia Mönchengladbach again) are already thriving in Germany hence, a move could well and truly be on the cards.
Griffiths has been in excellent form this season and has already scored 22 goals in just 20 appearances. The 17-year-old also bagged an impressive hat-trick against Arsenal in the Premier League Youth Cup semi-final. The youngsters were recently up against Reading at home and despite losing Jonathan Dinzeyi to a second yellow card, the Lilywhites went on to win the game 4-0 and Griffiths yet again bagged a hat-trick.
The highlight was that all the goals came after the sending off.
In all fairness, a loan move to Leipzig looks like a fair deal for all the parties involved. Leipzig, who signed Lookman with no clause of signing him permanently, have developed Timo Werner, Emil Forsberg and Naby Keita to name a few and will be in contention to play the Europa League next season, which could give Griffiths a great exposure on a bigger stage.
