According to Sabah, Tottenham Hotspur were among the clubs monitoring Vedat Muriqi during Kosovo’s game against the Czech Republic. He scored the winner, helping his country secure a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic. However, Spurs weren’t the only ones to monitor Muriqi as they were joined by scouts from Serie A giants Napoli, Fiorentina and Lazio.
Muriqi’s career so far
Muriqi is not necessarily a young player who is looking to make his mark in senior football. He initially moved to Turkey back in 2014, when he joined Giresunspor. After a slow start to his career in Turkey, the striker scored 17 goals during the 2015/16 campaign in the second division.
Muriqi moved to Caykur Rizespor at the start of last year and made a quick impact, helping the club gain promotion to the top flight during the 2017/18 campaign by scoring eight goals. And last season, the Kosovan international netted 17 goals in the Turkish Super Lig, gaining the attention of giants Fenerbahce.
The 25-year-old was brought in for a fee of €3.5. He was considered as a prime replacement for Roberto Soldado, who returned to Spain to join Granada CF. Muriqi has had a promising start to his Fenerbahce career so far, scoring two goals in his first three games.
What can he bring to the table?
Muriqi is a strong, physically imposing centre-forward, whose style of play can be compared to former Liverpool starlet Andy Carroll. He loves to play on the shoulders of the last defenders and often tends to hurry and hassle the opposing ball-carrying centre-backs.
His tall 1.94m frame gives him a considerable advantage when it comes to aerial duels, thus making him an indirect threat from set-pieces. But, most importantly, it is Muriqi’s physique and aggression that makes him a tailor-made fit for the physically demanding nature of the Premier League.
Is Muriqi a viable target for Spurs?
Tottenham Hotspur clearly lack depth in the number nine slot, following the departure of Fernando Llorente. Mauricio Pochettino already had to use Lucas Moura in a central role last season, which is not healthy as the Argentine also lacks reliable depth in the wide-attacking roles.
Muriqi, therefore, could be an excellent signing for Spurs. Much like Llorente, he can offer the physical presence in the final third. He can also provide mobility and is much younger than the Spaniard, making him a viable long-term investment for the Lilywhites as they continue their search for a Harry Kane’s back-up.
