According to a recent report by the Daily Mirror, Manchester United are still interested in securing the services of Kieran Trippier from Tottenham Hotspur even though Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is willing to play hard-ball this summer.
In a post-match interview after Tottenham’s disappointing 2-0 loss versus Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League final last night, the English right-back hinted that he faces an uncertain future at White Hart Lane. Hence, it won’t be a surprise to see Trippier being shipped out of North London during the summer transfer period after he had an underwhelming season in the Premier League.
The 28-year-old has featured in 38 matches for Spurs this term, scoring one goal while creating five assists in all competitions. However, he has often been subjected to criticism from the media for his lack of defensive awareness on the pitch.
Here are three replacements for Mauricio Pochettino to consider during the summer transfer period.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
The Crystal Palace right-back has thrived with regular first-team football at Selhurst Park this season. He is defensively solid and is a difficult player to beat in 1v1 situations. Furthermore, the English defender also has four assists to his name last season.
He will fit in well at Spurs and could the ideal man to replace Trippier in North London as well as in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
Mario Fernandes
The Russian full-back enjoyed a rich vein of form for CSKA Moscow last season as he scored one goal and grabbed ten assists in 35 appearances across all competitions. More importantly, Fernandes has made an average of 1.9 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 2.1 clearances per game in the previous campaign (Stats taken from Whoscored). He will not only be a potent offensive threat in the opposing half but will also provide enough protection in defence. Hence, Pochettino should consider bringing him to North London ahead of the new season.
Hans Hateboer
The Serie A defensive ace experienced his best campaign in an Atalanta shirt last season as he helped the club secure a remarkable third place finish in the Italian top-flight standings. His incredible contributions have brought Champions League football to Atalanta in the upcoming campaign which is an astonishing achievement for the Italian outfit.
Hateboer has scored six times and grabbed six assists in 43 matches for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side in the recently concluded Serie A season. He will be a fantastic fit at Spurs if Pochettino can lure him into sealing a move to England this summer.
