According to ESPN, Fernando Llorente could potentially return to Tottenham this summer. The Napoli striker is being eyed as a potential option as Jose Mourinho looks to find a back-up option for Harry Kane. He is not the only option, however as Spurs have also been offered with the chance to sign Leicester City’s Islam Slimani.
Do Tottenham need a new striker?
Tottenham Hotspur have glaring issues in the attacking department that Mourinho must solve in this summer transfer window. One of them is the lack of depth in the number nine role.
Indeed, Kane is the reliable goalscoring striker Lilywhites have at the moment. Although the English international is regarded as one of the best strikers in world football, his relatively poor injury record over the past couple of years has often left Spurs quite vulnerable in the goalscoring department. It was evident during the second half of last season and this season as well.
This term, in particular, the injury of both Kane and Son Heung-Min around the start of the year created a massive void in the offensive department. The likes of Lucas Moura and Dele Alli failed to provide the productivity as the club struggled with a lack of form, eventually sliding down to mid-table.
It was only until the return of both those attackers during the lockdown when Tottenham really managed to turn things around and achieve a top-six finish. Hence, the acquisition of a new striker this summer could be imperative for Mourinho.
Is Fernando Llorente the right option?
Llorente used to play for Tottenham for two years, during which he netted 13 goals in 66 appearances. But more importantly, he used to provide an alternative to Kane, which was quite useful for Mauricio Pochettino.
Under Mourinho, the Spaniard’s heading prowess and his physique oriented game should tune in rather nicely. Indeed, the Tottenham manager can utilise him perfectly as a target man, especially with wingers like Son, Lucas and Steven Bergwijn providing supply. Moreover, his experience at the highest of football should be useful for Spurs.
Llorente hasn’t really made an impact during his short ongoing spell at Napoli, scoring three goals from 450 minutes of league football. However, he is indeed an excellent cost-effective option in Mourinho’s pursuit to find a proper back-up for Kane, especially in times like these.
