According to reports from the Guardian, Tottenham Hotspur could look to sign Hakim Ziyech in January if Christian Eriksen departs from the club in the winter transfer period. It is believed that Manchester United may ‘press ahead’ with a £42m move for the Danish playmaker. Spurs then would look to reinvest those funds straightaway in the squad to sign Ziyech.
After a high of getting to the Champions League final, Pochettino’s men have capitulated like anything as they find themselves on the 14th spot in the Premier League, 11 points behind fourth-placed Manchester City. It could be an uphill task to get a Champions League finish for Pochettino this season, and the club will have to use the January transfer market well to bolster the squad.
What should Spurs do with Eriksen?
Eriksen’s future has been uncertain for quite some time, and that has reflected in his selection as well as Pochettino has often left the playmaker out of the starting eleven. The former Ajax player is in the final year of his deal, and the January transfer market will be the last opportunity for Spurs to gain some transfer fee for him.
We think that the North London club should allow him to leave for £42m if a bid from Manchester United comes in. Knowing Levy, he would be all over this one.
Why will Ziyech be a top signing?
Ziyech might not be an outright replacement for Eriksen as he is a right-winger. However, the Ajax star has played in a central attacking role before. Eriksen is often utilised in a right-sided role from where he often drifts into a central role.
For that kind of role, Ziyech will be a more natural fit as the Ajax player is willing to help his team out defensively as well. The 26-year-old has been in impressive form again as he has six goals and 15 assists so far in all competitions this season. Last season, he managed 21 goals along with 24 assists.
Given his impressive pace and dribbling skills, he will be a significant threat for Premier League defenders. However, what makes him stand out is his ability to find the right pass or finish of moves in the final third.
Ziyech has a hammer of a left foot and him running down the right will be reminiscent of what Gareth Bale used to do in his prime at the White Hart Lane. Ziyech is also known for his terrific work rate, and Spurs should be all over him in January if they want to soften the blow of losing a player like Eriksen.
