Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for a highly-rated forward in the summer transfer window
Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with highly-rated striker Marcos Leonardo ahead of the summer transfer window. The young Brazilian has been in prolifc form for Al-Hilal this season and has experience of European football.
Spurs’ immediate priority is securing Premier League survival as the club sit just one point above the relegation zone. Tottenham announced the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi on a long-term contract.
The new coach has seven games to help the club keep their top-flight status. However, the summer window is approaching and De Zerbi could play a role in recruitment, having signed a five-year deal.
Brazilian outlet RTI Esporte claims that Spurs have been following the Al-Hilal star Leonardo's performances for months. It is said that Tottenham are closely monitoring his situation at the Saudi Arabian club, where he has scored 15 goals in 29 games this term.
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The report adds that Al-Hilal are open to selling the forward in the upcoming transfer window. The 22-year-old is valued at £55million, which would represent a significant profit from the approximate £34m paid to Benfica in 2024.
Tottenham are reported to be one of several European clubs interested in former Brazil U20 international Leonardo. He has scored 44 goals in 72 games overall for the Saudi Pro League side.
Leonardo began his career with Brazilian giants Santos, making his debut as a 17-year-old in August 2020. The striker scored 54 goals in 168 games for his boyhood club, prompting a move to Benfica in January 2024.
The Portuguese side paid around £15m for the young attacker and set his release clause at £130m. He scored consecutively in his first three appearances but struggled to earn a starting spot during his short stint before sealing a move to Al-Hilal that summer.
New Spurs boss De Zerbi may opt to bring in more attacking options during his first transfer window at the helm. The club’s current top scorer is Leonardo’s compatriot Richarison with 10 goals in all competitions.
The Italian head coach will take charge of his first match against Sunderland on April 12. Tottenham’s earlier exits from cup competitions will offer the manager more time to assess his squad in training.
In his first interview since being appointed, De Zerbi said of becoming Spurs boss: "I'm very happy and very proud to be here. I consider Tottenham one of the most important clubs in the world, so I'm very happy.
"I have a big responsibility, but it's a big challenge for me, and I'm looking forward to start and to work with the players and to win some games. I watched a lot of games, especially in the last period. I know very well the players. I love football, so I watch many, many games per week. I know everything.
"I know it's a tough moment for Tottenham, but I know very well it's a tough moment. It's a difficult moment for everyone at Tottenham. I think we have the right qualities to come out of this moment. I believe in the players.
"I think we have to remember who we are and who the players are, because we have very big players and we have to work on their confidence and qualities. They have to show what they are and what they are good at playing."