Zeki Celik opens up on future amidst Tottenham Hotspur links
According to Turkish media outlet DHA (h/t Football.london), Turkish defender Zeki Celik insists he is happy to stay at Lille in spite of garnering considerable interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
The 23-year-old Turkish international moved to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in 2018. He has since established himself as a key member of the French side’s first-team. Celik has made 68 appearances and has scored one goal and eight assists.
Right-back is a position that has produced mixed results for us this season. With Serge Aurier the preferred choice, we have struggled to achieve consistency on the right flank. A volatile character, the Ivorian is a liability that needs to be replaced.
It has seen Spurs get linked with a number of right-backs, one among them is Celik. Others include Thomas Meunier and Nelson Semedo.
Primarily a right-back, Celik is versatile enough to play at centre-back and right-midfield. A threat at both ends of the pitch, Celik is a more level-headed player compared to Aurier.
Celik was coy talking about his future. Although he admitted he was happy at Lille, he did admit that he is unsure about his suitors.
“I have a four-year contract with my club. It is also said that there are suitors for the transfer, but I do not know.”
A Lille connection
Celik is not the only Lille player Spurs are keen on. Tottenham have also been linked to other stars such as Victor Osimhen, Boubakary Soumare, and Gabriel.
An advantage Tottenham could have in trying to tie up a deal would be the relationship Jose Mourinho shares with the Lille director of football Luis Campos.
The duo worked together during Mourinho’s time at Real Madrid. The duo shares a good relationship with Jose, even referring to Campos as a close friend.
More Tottenham Hotspur News
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- Liverpool ready to offer an escape route to Tottenham star Tanguy Ndombele
- Tottenham target Donny van de Beek will be allowed to leave by Ajax
Tottenham are currently in 8th spot, seven points off the top four. With a number of stars returning to fitness, it remains to be seen if we can still qualify for the Champions League.
