Daniel Levy’s shrewd nature at Tottenham Hotspur has served him well throughout his tenure as the north London club’s chairman.
Spurs have achieved comparative success over the past 15 years, rising to a sustained position in the Champions League and consistently threatening to secure silverware without actually lifting a trophy.
That next step is crucial, and under Ange Postecoglou, there’s a tentative sense of optimism that that goal could be realised, with purposeful signings being made in the transfer market.
The Italian club need to sell and view Chiesa, who can play across the frontline, as a necessary sacrifice with just one year remaining on his current contract. It’s believed that the Old Lady are fielding bids of €30m (£25m), which would be a bargain if the 25-year-old’s fitness holds up.
Tottenham are fast improving and nurturing an impressive crop, and it’s a testament to the work being done down N17 that there’s one Lilywhite whose value eclipses that of Chiesa, just one year after his signing.
Micky van de Ven’s market value in 2024
We’re talking about the one and only Micky van de Ven, who was purchased from the German Bundesliga’s VFL Wolfsburg in a £43m deal last summer as Postecoglou shored up his backline.
Endowed with supreme athleticism and a formidable physique, the Netherlands star shone as he utilised his pace and power to forge a steely bond with Cristian Romero in Spurs’ backline, with James Maddison stating such qualities were “frightening”.
As per FBref, he actually ranked among the top 10% of centre-backs in the Premier League last season for goals, the top 16% for ball recoveries, the top 2% for pass completion and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90.
A truly astounding talent, even described as an “utter freak” by podcast host Michael Caley, Van de Ven’s £43m arrival raised a few eyebrows initially; Liverpool are believed to have withdrawn from the race due to concerns about Wolfsburg’s proposed price tag.
Might that opinion differ now? Probably. CIES Football Observatory – a research organisation located in Switzerland – have concluded their appraisal of the dynamic defender and marked him with a £65m market value, already £22m higher than Spurs’ initial outlay.
It’s a significant rise and one that is projected to continue over the coming years. Chiesa, a high-level talent in his own right, is available for £25m in what is £40m off Van de Ven.
Tottenham have a lot to do to reach the desired platform but the signs thus far are promising, and with players such as Van de Ven in the side, lofty ambitions might just be realised down the line.
Deal close: Tottenham expected to sign “fantastic” £150k-p/w star for Ange
Whilst Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer approach has so far been focused on welcoming young stars, they are reportedly expected to make their first experienced marquee signing of the summer in a deal worth £29m.
Tottenham transfer news
The Lilywhites have so far welcomed just two reinforcements in the form of Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, who are two additions that coukd make an impact on Ange Postecoglou’s side for years to come. That said, after Spurs missed out on Champions League qualification last time out, it wouldn’t be absurd to suggest that they still need further reinforcements before the transfer window slams shut at the end of next month.
Reports suggest that those in north London are well aware of the need to strengthen Postecoglou’s squad too. According to Sports Media Set in Italy, Spurs are expected to sign Federico Chiesa from Juventus with a transfer worth up to €35m (£29m) “close”. The Italian has reportedly been shown the door by new manager Thiago Motta and could be left attempting to rediscover his best form at Spurs in the forthcoming campaign.
Without an experienced new signing as of yet, Spurs could be making a statement of intent in the race for Champions League qualification by signing Chiesa.
“Fantastic” Chiesa could form Son partnership
Having enjoyed one of the Premier League’s most productive partnerships with Harry Kane for so many years, before he left for Bayern Munich, Son may now get the chance to form a similarly lethal duo with Chiesa, should Spurs complete their move.
Chiesa could extend Son’s best form for years to come at 32 years old which could provide Postecoglou with a major boost. The Italian can play all across the frontline and may even slot straight into the leading role to push Son back to his best out wide on a permanent basis.
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