Tottenham have identified a potential option to replace Joao Palhinha.
Tottenham Hotspur survived relegation on the final day of the Premier League season after beating Everton 1-0, with head coach Roberto De Zerbi immediately turning his thoughts to who he wants to keep in his squad going forward and what signings need to be made.
Indeed, the Lilywhites must make significant changes to their squad that finished 17th in back-to-back Premier League campaigns. One area that particularly suffered this season was the midfield. The long-term injuries to creative midfielders James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski had a massive impact on Tottenham’s performances on the pitch. They struggled to break down well-drilled and disciplined defences, often relying on individual brilliance to bail them out.
The control and composure in the middle of the park were lacking throughout the campaign, too. It was not until Roberto De Zerbi walked into the club and coached Tottenham midfielders to possess the ball a bit more. The Italian boss wants to bring in players that fit into his vision and style of play, and it has now emerged that Spurs are looking at the Belgian market for reinforcements in midfield.
Club Brugge talent Aleksandar Stankovic wanted by Tottenham
Aleksandar Stankovic enjoyed a fantastic season for Club Brugge, playing an instrumental role in their league success. He delivered 14-goal contributions in 57 games, despite being deployed in a defensive midfield role on several occasions. The Serbian’s performances in a Club Brugge shirt have caught the eye of several clubs across Europe, but it is worth noting that Inter Milan holds a €23m buy-back clause which can be activated this summer.
Inter Milan are widely expected to trigger the buy-back clause to bring back Aleksandar Stankovic, even if it results in a quick sale of the player. Now, according to a report from Calciomercato, the Serie A champions would consider selling Stankovic immediately after activating his buy-back clause to generate funds. This move could happen regardless of coach Cristian Chivu and the fans’ ‘displeasure’.
The 20-year-old’s sale would hand the Nerazzurri’s transfer kitty a booster shot as they look to reinforce their midfield and attack ahead of the new campaign. The report adds that Stankovic is coveted by Tottenham, Arsenal, Brentford and Newcastle United.
Aleksandar Stankovic could be Joao Palhinha’s long-term replacement
As far as Tottenham are concerned, there is a high possibility they will lose Joao Palhinha, who spent the past season on loan from Bayern Munich. Sporting CP are keen to bring Palhinha back, and the Portuguese international appears to have set his heart on a return to his homeland. Recent reports suggest the defensive midfielder has reached an agreement to join Sporting CP.
Palhinha’s exit would open up a slot in Tottenham’s squad, one they can fill by signing Stankovic. The 20-year-old would instantly improve Tottenham’s midfield unit, bringing technical ability, energy, physicality, running power and ball-winning skills, which is exactly the sort of thing De Zerbi usually likes in his central midfielders. The Serbian can become a star if he gets regular minutes, confidence and the right guidance.
If De Zerbi truly believes the Club Brugge starlet fits his system, Tottenham must do its best to land him this summer.