Mauricio Pochettino is seemingly in the market to make significant strengthening to the first team. Despite being the best team in the Premier League for a major part of the last season, the Lilywhites had to settle for a third-placed finish with the frustration of once again being bettered by rivals Arsenal in terms of league finish despite enjoying a much better campaign compared to the Gunners. Pochettino has made two quality additions to the team with Vincent Janssen and Victor Wanyama but Spurs look far from done in the market,
The Daily Mail claims that Spurs have identified Mainz midfielder Yunus Malli as the perfect alternative to Georginio Wijnaldum who opted for a move to Anfield rather than White Hart Lane. The Turkish international is surely a talented player and won’t also cost Spurs much if they can wrap up his signing soon.
The 24-year-old has a release clause of just €10 million (£8.4 million). That is a paltry price for a player of his calibre. However, his release clause will expire at the end of this month and that leaves Spurs with very little time to snap him up on a coup. A graduate of the academy of Borussia Monchengladbach, the attacking midfielder was snapped up by Mainz in 2011 and since then, he has become a key player for the Bundesliga side.
Malli experienced his best form during the last season where he notched up 11 goals and 5 assists from 36 games in all competitions. The Turkish international is an out and out number ten who has a knack of adding goals to the side. He is also capable of plying his trade as a secondary forward. With Champions League football next season, Spurs would definitely benefit from a player like him who can ideally fit in any of Spurs’ three attacking midfield positions.
Just as you expect from a Mainz player, Malli is a very good presser. Pochettino wants his attacking players to press the opposition defenders and seize opportunities. Malli fits the bill perfectly and can contribute with both goals and assists. Quality players do not come cheap these days and Spurs should make use of this opportunity and bolster their attacking options with the Turkish international.
With Spurs working on a costly new stadium, managing the club’s finances is a delicate balancing act and they cannot afford to splash too much cash right now. A few bargain deals like this is what Spurs need right now.
