According to Standard Sport, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes.
The Portuguese international is currently on loan at Everton and was linked with a move to White Hart Lane last year.
Gomes’ current deal with Everton expires at the end of the season, meaning Spurs will be able to sign him next summer. But is he really a viable target for Mauricio Pochettino’s side?
Andre Gomes: Player profile
Gomes is slowly finding his groove following a subpar spell with Barcelona last season. The midfielder has played with more freedom at Everton and has shown his excellent technical quality so far this season.
The former Valencia starlet can not only act as a ball-carrier, but also as a creative spark in the attacking third. His impressive vision coupled with his technical superiority allows him to dominate the opposition when on the ball.
Even though he has his fair share of weaknesses, especially when it comes to dealing with pressing, the 25-year-old has significantly improved his game in the last few months.
In fact, Gomes has averaged almost 60 passes per game this season along with 2.4 dribbles and over one shot on goal.
Just to put things into perspective, he managed a paltry total of 0.6 attempts, 1.1 dribbles and 32 passes during his debut campaign with Barcelona, thus reflecting on the improvement in his overall gameplay.
Why Gomes would be a good fit under Pochettino
Gomes is a much-improved player and given his potential, the Portuguese international could turn out to be a smart buy for Tottenham.
The Lilywhites are already in dire need of a central midfielder to replace Mousa Dembele, whose chances of remaining at the club for long-term, appear bleak and Gomes, in that regard, can be a suitable candidate.
Although the 25-year-old may not be as physical or as aggressive as Dembele, he has the quality to act as the ball-carrier while his technique and skill in midfield tunes in well with Pochettino’s efficient gameplay.
Furthermore, it’s rather evident that Barcelona do not hold Gomes at high esteem, meaning the Lilywhites will have an ideal opportunity to sign the Portuguese on a cut-price next summer – making them the obvious winners from this deal.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored