Rumoured to be very interested in Michy Batshuayi before the Belgian moved to Chelsea, Tottenham look likely to get someone from Marseille after all.
Georges-Kévin Nkoudou, who only arrived at the Ligue 1 club last summer from Nantes, is expected to have a medical with the London club on Tuesday, and a transfer announcement looks imminent.
Bought for €1.5m just over 12 months ago, the 21-year-old is expected to move for just under ten times that (€13m).
That’s quite a big rise in value, and, to be honest, he deserves it.
The youngster managed to force his way into Michel’s team rather quickly last season thanks to his blistering pace and willingness to take people on to create chances for himself and his teammates.
Capable of outpacing most on a football pitch, the left-winger might be seen as an upgrade on Clinton N’Jie, who never really impressed following his move from Lyon last season before suffering a bad knee injury.
In fact, Spurs were reported on Tuesday by L’Equipe as telling the young Cameroonian he would find it hard to find game time with them next season as the competition in his position would be so fierce.
His ability to both cut in and cross makes him a valuable asset for any team operating with wing play, yet his final third decision making, whether it is shooting or providing, is far from fully polished.
However, at such a young age and great players to work with at Tottenham, such problems are bound to be ironed out if the move goes through and he applies himself.
With 10 goals and five assists in 41 appearances last season, the youngster was one of the brightest lights in a dark and desolate season for Marseille, and many fans will be very sorry to see him leave.
His versatility (he can play on either wing, but strongly prefers the left) might come in handy in case of an injury crisis at Spurs, but Nkoudou shouldn’t be expected to set the world alight in his first-season in the Premier League.
Then again, Manchester United fans never thought Anthony Martial would have such an impact on their team last season either.
