Transfer Story
Recent reports in Portugal suggest that Ricardo Pereira, who has spent the last two seasons on loan at OGC Nice from Porto, is being targetted by Tottenham Hotspur. The Portuguese has done an impressive job in the right-back position under the management of Lucien Favre. Many players enjoyed a fruitful season at the Allianz Riviera last season.
Players like Mario Balotelli, Jean Seri, Alassane Plea, a rejuvenated Dante have had successful seasons in Ligue 1. The side finished third behind PSG and champions Monaco and were in with a legitimate chance for the title itself. Their away form let them down and a spate of injuries did not help either.
One of the many shining lights was Ricardo Pereira, bombing up and down the right flank with great tenacity and guile.
Kyle Walker’s future is up in the air as he lost his position to Kieran Trippier in the back end of the season. The league’s best right-back is being tracked by Manchester City and a move may be on the cards.
If Pochettino was to lose Walker, he could go into the market for a new right-back as they don’t have the necessary depth in that position.
Player stats
Ricardo Pereira is an attacking and energetic full-back. The Portuguese notched 2 goals and 4 assists in the league this season from 23 appearances. He had a good pass completion rate of 86.5% and averaged more than three tackles a game in all competitions, pretty solid for a right-back. (Via Whoscored)
What’ll he offer?
With a blistering burst pace and great attacking threat, Pereira could be an ideal replacement for Walker this summer, and he has experience of playing at right wing back, making him potentially perfect for Pochettino’s 3-4-3 system.
Walker will soon be forgotten if Daniel Levy can pull off yet another coup. The Portuguese has played in a variety of positions including right-wing and this versatility is very appealing to Pochettino.
Worth the fee?
Reports indicate Spurs have slapped a 60 million pound price-tag on Kyle Walker and Daniel Levy will make sure City will pay all of it for him to leave.
With a release clause of just 22 million pounds, Pereira is a steal. If Tottenham do get a princely sum for Walker, they can replace the England International for a profit of around 30 million and still have two good right-backs.
Selling a player four years his senior for ludicrous money and signing a ready-made replacement on the cheap is what Tottenham and Levy are known to do and expect this move to happen by the end of the window.
