Tottenham have identified a long-term replacement for Joao Palhinha.
Tottenham Hotspur are facing an increasingly real threat of relegation this season. The defeat at Sunderland further deepened their crisis, handing a poor start to Roberto De Zerbi’s reign in N17. He has just six games left to try and secure Spurs’ top-flight status.
Regardless of what happens at the end of the season, there are going to be massive changes in the squad. There are clearly a lot of players in this squad that have underperformed, yet that hasn’t stopped them from being linked with exits. As far as the midfield unit is concerned, changes are inevitable to happen.
Yves Bissouma is set to be released in the summer upon the expiry of his contract, while the Lilywhites are unlikely to sign Joao Palhinha permanently from Bayern Munich. Pape Matar Sarr has been linked with a move to the Turkish Super Lig, and given that James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski have missed the entirety of the season owing to serious knee issues, we are expected to see the club bring in midfield reinforcements.
Tottenham set to rival London clubs for Sunderland midfielder
According to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Tottenham have joined Arsenal and Chelsea in the race to sign Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki.
Noah Sadiki joined Sunderland from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise last summer in a deal worth around £15m, and he has been key to the team performing impressively on their return to the Premier League. The youngster has been a constant fixture in the Black Cats’ midfield unit, making 27 Premier League appearances thus far.
The DR Congo international has caught the attention in a deep-lying role for Regis Le Bris’ side. Arsenal have ‘taken the lead in recent scouting reports’, with boss Mikel Arteta determined to add greater physical strength and tactical awareness to his midfield unit.
However, the report adds that Sunderland are not looking to sell and have not put an asking price on his head at this stage, as they view him to be an essential figure to their long-term project. The midfielder himself is focused on finishing the season strongly at the Stadium of Light, but a move could become a reality in the summer.
Noah Sadiki has qualities to improve Tottenham’s midfield
From Tottenham’s perspective, Sadiki could be a solid long-term replacement for Palhinha. At 21, the Congolese is still at the developmental stages of his career, but there is no denying he has a bright future in the game. A workhorse, he’d inject fresh energy, dynamism and physicality to Spurs’ midfield that has been accused of getting bypassed and outworked very easily this season.
But for the Lilywhites to compete for the Sunderland rising star’s signature, they need to first stay in the Premier League. Post that, our club bosses have to be ready to splash the premium to convince Sunderland to sell Sadiki after just one strong campaign.