Mauricio Pochettino has been rather calm since the end of the previous season and is yet to add a single player to his first team before going into the first game of the new campaign. But the manager knows that he needs at least a couple of star players at the club if he is to compete for the title this season as well.
This has seen him linked with some of the most exciting stars in Europe and one player now extensively linked with a move to the club is Davinson Sanchez.
Tottenham closing in on a deal:
Pochettino wants players who can solve particular positions at the club this summer and according to reports from the Sun, he has decided to land Sanchez on a deal that could cost them £35m. It is understood that Spurs have been monitoring the youngster from the time they released Kyle Walker and the Pochettino has finally managed to strike a deal with his current club.
Who is Davinson Sanchez?
For fans who are not too informed about the Eredivisie, Davinson Sanchez Mina is a product of the Atletico Nacional Academy in his home country where he spent three long years in the senior side, unable to break into the first team. He was picked up by Dutch giants Ajax at the start of the previous year and in just six months, he managed to jump into the senior side, establishing himself in the first team.
A centre back by trait, Sanchez is a ball playing defender with tremendous confidence with the ball at his feet. He is a gifted player who knows how to read the game while his strength and agility allow him to hold up play even in dangerous areas. He loves to dominate his box and is strong in the air and is a player who will thrive in England.
He plays his national football with Colombia, his country of birth and already has two appearances for the senior side, to add to his 32 Eredivisie appearances. He was crucial in Ajax’s run into the Europa League final last season and is easily one of the most exciting defenders of his age group in Europe.
Chances in London:
At just 21, he is still relatively young and learning the game but playing for a manager like Pochettino might be the best way for him to gain some exposure. The Argentine gaffer has an affinity to potential youngsters and loves to use them on a regular basis in the first team.
Dele Alli, Harry Kane and Eric Dier are all prime examples and Sanchez could join these names in no time. Toby Alderweireld, who is now 28 and Jan Vertonghen, who is now 30 are expected to be the first choice center backs next season but Kevin Wimmer and Eric Dier are the only backups in the squad and if Pochettino wants to use a 3-man defensive line, he does not have enough options in his squad to pull it off effectively.
This is where Sanchez will be a huge asset for the side. He may not be ready for first team football in England, but he is only going to be a cover for the first team stars, which will allow him to understand the game. At the same time, he is not too down the pecking order, which will see him get enough game time to acclimates to the conditions.
Surely, the 21-year old could be a long term replacement for one of the Belgian duo at the back for Spurs. But is he worth his tag of £35m?