Following Dani Alves’ last minute change of mind, which saw him joining Ligue1 side Paris Saint-Germain after weeks of speculations with a sure move to Manchester City, the Sky Blues had no other option but to push the panic button. Following the releases of Jesus Navas, Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna at the end of the season, Pep Guardiola was waiting patiently to snap up Alves for free who was sure to leave Juventus.
However, the sudden twist left them with no other choice but to go for the next best option and for a significant increase in price this time, in Kyle Walker. If reports are to be believed, the 27-year-old has joined the Etihad Stadium for a whopping £52 million, making him the most expensive defender in the world ever.
While talks between the Spurs full-back and City had been in an advanced stage before, the asking price was much lower than what the North London demanded now. And given that Mauricio Pochettino had even preferred Walker on the bench in the later stages of the season with Kieran Trippier’s rise, makes this deal all the more brilliant for the Lilywhites.
They were ready with a perfect replacement in hand, and it’s about time they go for him. Reportedly, Tottenham are looking most likely to meet FC Porto’s asking price of £22 million (Pereira’s release clause) for their right-back Ricardo Pereira. Of course, Walker’s selling price would be more than enough to facilitate the purchase of Pereira, but unlike Manchester City, Pochettino is definitely expected to give it a thought before paying that amount.
The Argentine gaffer is credited with bringing up some of the best young talents in the Premier League in Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Heung Ming-Son and more, and if he does go for Pereira, we could pretty much be sure of the player’s abilities.
According to reports, it was Tottenham’s head scout, Steve Hitchen, who is a specialist in French football, who recommended Pereira. The 23-year-old is immensely versatile across the defensive and attacking third as he showed in his last season’s loan stint with Ligue1 side OGC Nice where he played as a right-back, right defensive midfield, left back, right winger and also an attacking midfielder. He scored twice and assisted eight times in 57 appearances.
Although not having the tallest of frames, the player possesses tremendous pace and aggression in his approach, which makes him a tremendous dribbler. His strength could also be a huge advantage in the Premier League, as he would hold the ball well too.
