According to a recent report by Turkish newspaper Gunes (via The Daily Mail), Tottenham Hotspur have identified AS Roma’s Cengiz Under as a potential target for the summer window but only if they can secure qualification in next season’s UEFA Champions League. The same source has also claimed that the Turkish wide player will only consider a switch to North London if Spurs can retain their place in the next edition of the Champions League.
Under has endured an injury-ravaged campaign in Italian football but he has still managed to put in a couple of eye-catching displays for AS Roma so far. He has made 17 appearances for Paulo Fonseca’s side this term, scoring two goals across all competitions. The Serie A starlet has missed several matches this season due to a muscle injury. To his credit, he has averaged 1.4 shots, 1.3 key passes and 1.5 dribbles per game in the Italian top-flight (stats via whoscored).
The Balikesir-born talent has also represented Turkey at various youth levels and has secured 20 senior caps for his nation while scoring six international goals in the process. He has shown a few glimpses of his true potential over the past couple of years but needs to avoid injuries if he wants to make a name for himself at the highest level.
What Does The Turkish Starlet Offer On The Field?
Under has decent pace under his belt and can make some penetrative runs with the ball in the opposition half. He excels at beating his marker in a 1v1 footrace but needs to find consistency in terms of his performances on the pitch. Furthermore, his injury record is a significant cause for concern so Mourinho should think long and hard before making a move for the Turkey international at the end of this campaign.
Will Under Be A Good Choice For Spurs?
Even then, recruiting a player of Under’s quality could turn out to be a shrewd move for Spurs as they look to strengthen their options under Mourinho’s stewardship. Tottenham have lacked some natural width at times this season with Lucas Moura and Heung-min Son often being used as makeshift forwards in the injury absence of Harry Kane.
Erik Lamela doesn’t have the pace to run the channels. At the same time, the jury is still out on their new arrival, Steven Bergwijn, who announced himself to the Premier League by scoring against Manchester City last weekend. Maybe, acquiring the services of Under will only add more competition for places within Mourinho’s squad. However, only time will tell whether he will be able to justify his worth in the English capital by coping well with the physicality and high intensity of Premier League football.
