According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs monitoring the situation of Vedat Muriqi. The Fenerbahce striker has been linked with a move away from Turkey, with Southampton, Manchester United, Leicester City as well as Napoli and Lazio seeking a move. However, it is believed that a move to Italy is Muriqi’s priority due to cultural similarities.
Vedat Muriqi: Player profile
Muriqi has emerged as one of the best strikers in Turkish football since moving to Fenerbahce last summer. He has already netted 13 goals in 25 league matches this season while providing five assists. Fenerbahce haven’t been able to compete for the league title this term, but his contributions in front of goal have helped them become one of the highest-scoring teams in the division.
Standing at 1.94m, Muriqi is primarily known for his massive frame that gives him a considerable advantage in the air. The Kosovan forward has won a whopping 125 aerial duels this season – more than anyone else in the Turkish Super Lig. His intimidating figure also helps him thrive in one v one physical duels.
Apart from his physical attributes, Muriqi loves to test the goalkeeper at every turn. Only two players have attempted more shots on goal than the 25-year-old this season.
Is Muriqi the ideal backup for Harry Kane?
Tottenham Hotspur have struggled with lack of alternatives for star striker Harry Kane ever since the departure of Fernando Llorente. The English international notably picked up an injury in early 2019 and 2020, and the club has struggled to produce goals on both occasions.
This season, the Lilywhites have also been unlucky with the injury of Son Heung-Min. As a result, they have relied on the likes of Lucas Moura and Dele Alli, and both of them have disappointed in front of goal. And that’s where Muriqi could come into the fray.
The Fenerbahce striker could provide ideal backup for Kane next season. But more importantly, his robust nature is ideally suited to Jose Mourinho’s tactical setup at Tottenham. As mentioned earlier, the Kosovan forward is strong when it comes to physical and aerial duels. That means he can be utilised as a target man, which is ideal for a club that has talented wide players like Son, Moura and Steven Bergwijn.
However, it remains to be seen whether or not Muriqi will be happy to play second fiddle at Spurs and with the forward preferring a move to Italy, it’s unlikely that the Lilywhites would be able to secure his services anytime soon.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
