The managerial masterclass of Mauricio Pochettino transformed Tottenham Hotspur into an elite European outfit as they secured a Champions League berth on a regular manner. They have budget constraints and strict wage structure, yet the youth development and low-key recruits turned out to be pivotal in Spurs’ recent upsurge. But the failure of wrapping up a single deal in the summer raised questions over their ambition of achieving greater glory and the club, therefore, must react in January with some serious reinforcements despite enjoying a strong start so far in Premier League 2018-19.
Injury setbacks to Mousa Dembele and Victor Wanyama pointed out why they need some spending in the deeper midfield area. The duo enjoyed years of success in North London but require long-term replacements following a series of frustrating outings.
Spurs have been linked to a move for Tanguy Ndombele, the Olympique Lyonnais midfielder, but might be forced to step back amid rumours of a £61m asking fee set by the French heavyweights. Paris St-Germain and Manchester City are frontrunners to acquire the 21-year-old Les Bleus international and Tottenham, therefore, must set their sights elsewhere to wrap up a cheaper option.
If reports are believed to be true, Spurs are eyeing a swoop for Colombia international Wilmar Barrios who is currently playing for Boca Juniors and hold a release clause of £16m. The 25-year-old central midfield ace was linked with a move to Tottenham back in the summer that failed to materialise.
He might not be a familiar name among the fans in England, but he is being monitored by the big guns of Europe including Real Madrid. Barrios is known for his concentration, blocking, tackling and intercepting traits – some basic attributes that are essential for flourishing as a ‘number six’.
Eric Dier has not been impressive enough of late as his erroneous outings have let down Tottenham on many occasions. Harry Winks remains the other central midfield option but, he is more suited in a box-to-box role. Pochettino, therefore, is in desperate need of adding depth in the defensive midfield role and the 25-year-old fits the bill perfectly. Spurs have mostly been successful with their transfer deals in past windows and tying down Barrios at the earliest might hand them a like-for-like but affordable alternative synchronised with their business model.
It is always difficult to lure in big names midway through the campaign, but a deal for the little-known Colombian should be negotiated successfully by club representatives unless the Blancos reignite their interest and submit a fascinating offer to bring him at Bernabeu.