According to a recent report by Turkish news outlet Star, Tottenham Hotspur forward Fernando Llorente has moved a step closer to a move to Galatasaray after agreeing personal terms with the Turkish club. The Spanish forward’s contract with the North London outfit runs out at the end of this current campaign, so it is no surprise that he is tipped to make a move during the January transfer window.
Llorente has hardly featured for Mauricio Pochettino’s team this season with most of his appearances coming in the cup competitions. The Spaniard has played second-fiddle to Harry Kane throughout most of his time with Spurs, so he needs a change in scenery if he wants to secure regular first-team opportunities in the coming months.
At 33, the Tottenham striker is currently going through the twilight years of his career, so he needs to switch clubs to make the most out of his remaining years in football.
The former Athletic Bilbao youth product has made nine appearances for Spurs this term, scoring one goal while grabbing one assist in all competitions. He has also earned 24 international caps for the Spanish national team and has seven goals for his nation to his name.
Llorente is a powerful central striker who has a knack for scoring important goals when he gets good service in the opposition penalty box. Standing at 6ft 3inchs, the ex-Swansea City star is one of the tallest strikers in the English top-flight, and his strong build helps him leap over opposing defenders to either set up his teammates in the final third or find the back of the net with his head. It is no secret that Pochettino has often deployed him from the bench as a ‘Plan B’ option if things are not going Spurs’ way during matches.
The departure of Llorente will leave Pochettino short in numbers up top so if there is an injury to Harry Kane; he won’t have a dependable forward to rely upon unless he brings in a suitable replacement soon. The Tottenham boss needs to bring in a new striker during the January transfer window who can provide more competition for Harry Kane for a place in the Tottenham starting XI.
Llorente’s departure might be a good move for all parties as he could reignite his career at Galatasaray while Spurs can use the cap space left by the Spaniard’s exit to lure a new forward to North London in the coming months.
