Albania's midfielder Ivan Balliu (L) vies for the ball with Turkey's forward Merih Demiral during the Euro 2020 Group H qualification football match between Albania and Turkey at the Loro Borici Stadium in Shkodra on March 22, 2019. (Photo by Gent SHKULLAKU / AFP) (Photo credit should read GENT SHKULLAKU/AFP via Getty Images)
As per Sun, Tottenham have joined Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal in the race for out-of-favour Juventus defender Merih Demiral.
Merih Demiral, 21, enjoyed a meteoric rise last season. The Turk’s standout showings at the heart of the Sassuolo’s backline over the second half of last season didn’t go at all unnoticed, eventually resulting in him joining Juventus back in July. The stopper also helped his country qualify for the Euro 2020 finals.
However, Demiral has struggled for game time at Juventus this season despite Giorgio Chiellini being sidelined with a long-term injury.
Below the likes of Leonardo Bonucci and Matthias De Ligt in the pecking order, the Turkey international has been afforded just a solitary Serie A start this season.
Keeping the defender’s situation in mind, Tottenham have already made contact with the player’s agent, the report adds.
It is hardly surprising that Tottenham are linked with a defender ahead of the January transfer window. The North Londoners have leaked 23 goals in 16 games so far this season, and even after Jose Mourinho replaced Mauricio Pochettino last month, there’s no stopping.
In fact, the 5-0 victory over Burnley on Saturday was Spurs’ first clean sheet in the league since defeating Crystal Palace in September.
Defensive reinforcements are a must for the Lilywhites, who have experienced centre-backs Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen out of contract at the end of the season. Whether or not Alderweireld and Vertonghen will sign an extension remains to be seen.
With Davinson Sanchez making sloppy errors at the back this term and Juan Foyth not fully convincing, Spurs are desperately in need of a young, commanding centre-back to lead Mourinho’s side into a new era.
In that regard, Demiral would be a welcome addition. He is highly rated around Europe and should add quality to Tottenham’s backline. Last season, the 21-year-old registered an average of 1.7 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 5.6 clearances per game for Sassuolo.
He also enjoyed a pass success rate of 87%. [Courtesy: WhoScored.com] All in all, the Turk has all the required qualities to succeed in English football.
With Spurs’ defence looking clearly unstable, Mourinho should prioritise signing a central defender in January. Demiral is a talented defender and the Portuguese tactician could certainly help him fulfil his fantastic potential with Tottenham.
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