According to Sunday People, as cited by HITC, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in the services of Jack O’Connell. The Sheffield United defender has impressed Jose Mourinho with his performances in the Premier League. As a result, Spurs are tracking his progress at Sheffield, and a move could be made in the upcoming summer transfer window.
O’Connell’s rise to prominence
A product of the Blackburn youth academy, O’Connell has been a part of the Sheffield United side since 2016, moving from Brentford for an undisclosed fee. The defender quickly made an impact at Sheffield becoming a first-team regular in his first season at the club, notably notching up 44 appearances in the Championship.
The following season, O’Connell was involved in every minute of the campaign, thus mustering a sensational 4,140 minutes of league football. But, it wasn’t until the 2018/19 campaign when the defender finally managed to help Sheffield gain promotion to the top flight.
And in this ongoing campaign, which happens to be his first season in the English top-flight, O’Connell has impressed the onlookers with his consistent performances in the backline. He has built a formidable defensive partnership alongside Chris Basham and John Egan. As a result, Sheffield have conceded only 22 goals this term – a tally only bettered by league leaders Liverpool.
Is O’Connell a viable target for Tottenham?
O’Connell’s commitment and aggression, coupled with his physical and aerial prowess have already made him one of the best performing defenders in the Premier League this season. Tottenham, in that regard, could be an ideal destination for the 25-year-old, if he wants to take the next step in his career in the upcoming season.
The Lilywhites are in desperate need of new defenders, especially with Jan Vertonghen nearing the end of his career. Let us not forget, players like Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier have struggled with lack of consistency while Mourinho does not favour Juan Foyth.
Hence, O’Connell has a bright chance of making a breakthrough in Tottenham’s first-team next season. His dogged defensive nature should tune in well with Mourinho’s defence-oriented gameplay, thus making him a viable target for the north London giants.
However, it remains to be seen whether or not Sheffield United will be willing to part ways with their key defender in the summer. Moreover, it’s also fair to point out that Tottenham won’t be the only club interested in his services, especially given the current nature of the market and shortage of quality defenders.
