If reports are to believed, then Tottenham Hotspur are the latest Premier League side to join the chase for Southampton full-back Cedric Soares. The Portuguese international has earned some rave reviews following his phenomenal displays in the Premier League, and a host of top European giants are willing to land him.
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino finds himself in deep waters as his first-choice right-back Kyle Walker is reportedly close to sealing a move to Etihad Stadium. The 27-year-old’s rift with the Lilywhites’ manager has been reportedly the root for his decision to leave Spurs and having a long-term admirer in Pep Guardiola only makes things easier for him.
Manchester City are reportedly willing to offer the right-back a whopping wage of £140, 000 a week, which he is unlikely to turn down. His departure means Tottenham need a replacement almost immediately before they go for their pre-season and that too a proven one who could get into the first team right away.
And with Portugal knocked out of the Confederation Cup by Chile in the semi-final, Soares is now free to negotiate. Given Tottenham’s European stature of late, Soares wouldn’t think twice about joining them for sure and his brilliant composure on the ball makes his addition all the more valuable for Pochettino.
Southampton are finding it extremely difficult to hold onto their star defenders, Virgil van Dijk and Cedric Soares, and if earlier reports are taken into consideration then Saints chairman Ralph Krueger had made it clear that he would make it very tough for the suitors to get their hands on his players. And the fact that Soares had only signed a four-year deal with the club back in August, makes his asking price all the loftier.
However, even if Tottenham are ready to pay their asking price, they are likely to face stiff competition for the promising fullback. Clubs like Barcelona need a player at right back and with Juventus letting Dani Alves leave, even they are in need of reinforcements in the aforementioned position.
Reports had emerged earlier of Southampton asking a decent £25 million for the player when Barcelona came calling. All of his suitors could afford that easily and a bidding war is expected to ensue soon. Soares’ smooth playing makes him an instant fit for any of the sides and his intelligent game reading at a such a young age makes him a long-term prospect for sure.
