According to Haberler, Tottenham Hotspur have proposed a player plus cash deal to sign Fenerbahce midfielder Eljif Elmas. The Lilywhites are willing to fork out €19 million for the 19-year-old midfielder and are also offering Vincent Janssen to sweeten the deal. However, they could face stiff competition with four Serie A clubs also vying for his services this summer.
Eljif Elmas’ rapid rise to prominence
Elmas joined Fenerbahce in the summer of 2017 in a €1,80,000 move from his hometown club Rabotnicki Skopje. He made only seven appearances in all competitions during his debut campaign in Turkey. But, the Macedonian broke into the scene during the 2018/19 campaign, making 29 league appearances for Fener.
He built a strong partnership with Mehmet Topal at the base of Fenerbahce’s setup. And his services in the middle of the park played a critical role in the club’s sixth-placed finish in the league. Elmas has since become a vital asset to the Fenerbahce midfield, but his future remains in doubt, with so many clubs vying for his signature.
What can Elmas bring to the table?
Elmas’ style of play is identical to Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan. Much like the German international, the 19-year-old is an excellent ball carrier, thanks to his close control that allows him to nestle through tight spaces. He is also a competent tackler and has averaged 1.1 successful tackles per game this past season.
During defensive phases, Elmas usually stays deep and waits for loose balls. He is capable of launching a counter-attack with his excellent passing range while his technical and dribbling prowess makes him a well-round central midfielder. He notably attained a respectable pass completion rate of 83%.
Is Elmas a good option for Tottenham?
Elmas seems like a decent target for Tottenham Hotspur given his age as well as the potential he has shown during his spell at Fenerbahce. However, the Macedonian could struggle to cope with the fast-paced nature of the Premier League considering his lack of experience at the highest level football.
Hence, it would perhaps be wiser for Mauricio Pochettino to monitor the young midfield for at least more season in the Turkish top flight before making a move. But, at the age of 19, he has time on his side and will be able to provide some much-needed backup in the midfield department. It will be interesting to see if the Lilywhites do manage to attain the services of Elmas this summer.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
