Why signing Mehmet Zeki Celik would be a great move by Tottenham
According to Bleacher Report’s Dean Jones, Lille right-back Mehmet Zeki Celik is on Tottenham’s transfer radar.
Zeki Celik came through the ranks of Bursaspor’s youth system in his home town. In 2016, he made a switch to Istanbulspor from his boyhood club. In two years, the right-back made 69 appearances for the Turkish outfit before moving to France with Lille in the summer of 2018.
This season, he has been a consistent member in Christophe Galtier’s squad. In 13 Ligue 1 games so far, Zeki Celik has provided 3 assists while also featuring every minute for the French outfit in the Champions League group stages.
Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho’s men have been bounced back from their disappointing start to the season under Mauricio Pochettino.
A change in their management has clearly brought them back on track and they are currently placed 5th in the Premier League standings with more than half the season to be played.
Mourinho has only one established right-back at his disposal in Serge Aurier, with youth product Kyle Walker-Peters still in the development process. He has played only 3 matches for the Lilywhites and is yet to convince his boss for a regular place in the squad.
After selling Kieran Trippier, one of Tottenham’s best right-back in recent years, to Atletico Madrid in the summer, the club failed to bring in a proper replacement for the Englishman. As a result, Aurier has been the only right-back for the most part of the season.
Speaking of right-backs, Lille’s Mehmet Zeki Celik has been in exceptional form for his club. Since making his debut for the Turkish national side last year, he has added 14 caps to his name.
According to Whoscored, Zeki Celik has registered an average of 1.9 tackles. 0.7 interceptions and 1.6 clearances per game in the Ligue 1.
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Verdict
Though he may not be a high-profile player, the Turkish international has all the abilities to succeed in his position.
Moving to the Premier League would hand him a chance to develop himself. And with Tottenham keeping tabs on him, Celik must not hesitate to switch to North London.
Therefore, his move would benefit all parties involved.