Tottenham Hotspur are expected to join a few Premier League clubs in the race to sign Angers midfielder Baptiste Santamaria. The 25-year-old Frenchman has been impressive for the Ligue 1 club, which has attracted interest from a few sides.
Spurs are reportedly one of the clubs to be interested in signing the defensive midfielder, as per Express. Premier League sides Everton and Leicester City are also keen on signing him, while La Liga sides Villarreal and Sevilla are also in the running to sign Santamaria. The French midfielder joined Angers from Tours in 2016 and has gone on to make 146 appearances for the club in all competitions.
His current contract with Angers expires in 2022 after signing a four-year deal in 2018 with the club.
Baptiste Santamaria: A good move for Jose Mourinho?
Baptiste Santamaria has drawn comparisons with compatriot N’Golo Kante, who has been one of the best defensive midfielders in the world over the last few seasons, first with Leicester City and now Chelsea. Santamaria is a defensive midfielder who sits deep, makes key tackles and interceptions, and provides a solid shield to his defence.
The 25-year-old harries and hassles opposition midfielders and attackers, presses quickly and wins back the ball. Santamaria has been one of the best defensive midfielders in the French league this season, averaging 3.3 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game. He is taller than Kante, standing at 6′, and is decent in the air, winning an average of 1.9 aerial balls per game in Ligue 1.
He is also a decent passer, usually passing it to his defenders and fellow midfielders to keep possession of the ball, while also trying long balls. He averages 5 long balls per game in Ligue 1 this season, and 47 passes per game.
Baptiste Santamaria could be a good fit in Jose Mourinho’s side as the Portuguese manager needs a tackler in the base of midfield. The former Manchester United and Chelsea manager does not seem to trust summer signing Tanguy Ndombele, while Eric Dier is also out-of-favour. This leaves with Spurs having no midfielder to play the deep-lying role alongside a passer or dribbler like Harry Winks and Giovani Lo Celso.
This would be a solid signing for Spurs and one that will not break the bank as well, which will please Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.
