According to Telegraph, Tottenham Hotspur might set their sights on Willian Jose after being outpriced in their pursuit of Gareth Bale. The Real Sociedad attacker is apparently available for just £18 million. With just over a week remaining till the January transfer window slams shut, a move could be on the horizon.
Willian Jose’s success at Real Sociedad
Jose initially moved to Real Sociedad in 2016, in a €6 million move from Maldonado. Since then, he has become a vital part of the Sociedad attack, notably scoring 12 league goals in his debut season. The Brazilian has already notched up 130 competitive appearances for La Real, during which he has found the back of the net 53 times.
This season, Jose is arguably enjoying his best campaign in a Real Sociedad jersey, having netted eight goals in 20 matches. His productivity in front of goal has helped his club compete for a place in the top four in La Liga this season. In fact, Sociedad’s tally of 33 league goals is bettered only by Real Madrid, Barcelona and Villarreal.
What can he bring to the table?
Jose can be easily distinguished thanks to his tall 1.89m frame. But while his height does give him a considerable advantage in aerial and physical duels, he is more than just a target man. In fact, the Brazilian is quite good with the ball and is capable of doing layoffs in and around the final third.
The 28-year-old is proficient when it comes to testing the goalkeeper, having averaged almost 2 shots per game this season. But, what makes him such an appealing target for Tottenham Hotspur is his technical prowess, combined with the fact that he can also create opportunities for him teammates – making him quite similar to Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
Should Tottenham make a move for Willian Jose?
Tottenham are in imminent need of a new forward following the injury of Harry Kane. The Lilywhites have performed really badly without the English international leading the line, with Jose Mourinho being forced to deploy Son Heung-Min and Lucas Moura in a more central role. The recent win against Norwich City was their only Premier League victory since the turn of the year.
Jose’s addition, in that regard, should allow Mourinho the freedom to exploit the true qualities of players like Moura and Son, both of who are quite dangerous when deployed in a wide role. This is coupled with Jose’s own ability to score goals that could very well improve Spurs’ productivity in the final third – making him a viable target for the Lilywhites.
