According to RMC Sport, Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs interested in the services of Mohamed Simakan. The FC Strasbourg centre-back has caught the attention of the Premier Leauge giants, who are expected to make a move this summer. However, the Lilywhites could face stiff competition from Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan along with English clubs like Southampton and Everton.
Mohamed Simakan: Player profile
Simakan has emerged as one of the rising stars in Ligue 1 this season, having enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Strasbourg. He has notched up 15 league appearances, helping his club remain in mid-table.
What has made him such a key component for Thierry Laurey’s side is his versatility. Though a centre-back by trade, Simakan has often been deployed at right-back, which has proven to be useful, especially with Strasbourg having only one other option in that position in Kenny Lala.
Aside from his versatility, Simakan has impressed the onlookers with his excellent tackling. He has attempted 3.5 tackles per game this season with a success rate of 80%. Additionally, the Frenchman has averaged 1.6 interceptions per game, which is indicative of his ability to read the game.
Moreover, Simakan has made good use of his imposing 1.87m frame, having won over two aerial duels per game while attaining a pass completion rate of 76%. These are pretty good numbers for a Strasbourg side, who are considered as one of the minnows in the French top flight.
Should Tottenham sign Simakan this summer?
Tottenham are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements this summer. One of their most experienced players in Jan Vertonghen faces an uncertain future at the club, with his contract expiring at the end of the campaign while the likes of Juan Foyth and Eric Dier have failed to convince Jose Mourinho.
As a result, the club has lacked reliable options at the back, and that’s where Simakan could come into the fray. The Frenchman will be able to provide Mourinho with some much-needed depth, not only in central defence but also in the right-back slot, where he can compete with Serge Aurier.
However, one glaring issue regarding Tottenham’s pursuit of Simakan is the player’s lack of experience at the highest level of football. That means whether or not he will be able to settle into the fast-paced nature of the Premier League remains a doubt. And a lot could depend on how much Strasbourg demand for the defender, as Spurs definitely cannot afford to go deep in their pockets for an inexperienced individual.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
