GOODMORNING NEWS- Spurs target £50m “box-crasher” who’d solve their Bissouma problem
Tottenham Hotspur has been one of the most active clubs in this summer’s transfer market, making strategic moves to bolster their squad. They’ve added promising young talents such as Archie Gray, Yang Min-Hyeok, and Wilson Odobert, and made a significant investment by bringing in former Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke. These acquisitions signal the club’s intent to build a competitive team for the new season under the guidance of head coach Ange Postecoglou.
However, with the transfer window rapidly closing in less than two weeks, Tottenham’s chairman Daniel Levy and his team are not resting on their laurels. They are reportedly poised to re-enter the market to secure additional reinforcements, ensuring that Postecoglou has every tool necessary to meet his objectives for the season.
Among the latest names linked with a move to North London is a Premier League-proven talent who could address one of the club’s pressing issues: the situation surrounding Yves Bissouma.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Transfer Pursuit
According to a recent report by GIVEMESPORT, Tottenham has set their sights on signing Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes. The Brazilian international has caught the attention of Spurs, especially after Rodrigo Bentancur’s unfortunate injury against Leicester City earlier this week. Furthermore, Gomes is seen as a perfect fit for Postecoglou’s dynamic, high-energy playing style, which has become the hallmark of his managerial approach.
However, securing Gomes’ signature won’t come cheap. Previous reports from GIVEMESPORT have indicated that Wolverhampton would not consider any offers below £50 million for the 23-year-old midfielder. While this could be a hefty sum to negotiate, the quality that Gomes brings to the table—especially in light of the ongoing issues with Bissouma—makes this a deal worth pursuing.
Gomes vs. Bissouma: A Comparison
Before delving into a statistical comparison between Joao Gomes and Yves Bissouma, it’s important to highlight one of the key issues with Bissouma: his off-field behavior, which has led to his suspension from the squad. No matter how skilled a player is, poor decisions off the pitch can have serious repercussions on the club as a whole.
That being said, Gomes could serve as an ideal replacement for Bissouma due to his versatility. Like the Mali international, Gomes is capable of playing in both central and defensive midfield roles. This positional flexibility means that Postecoglou wouldn’t have to alter his tactical approach significantly if Gomes were to join the team.
To better understand how Gomes compares to Bissouma, it’s essential to look beyond basic statistics like goal involvements. Instead, we must focus on metrics that truly reflect their effectiveness in central and defensive midfield roles.
Who Comes Out on Top?
When comparing the two players, the results are clear—Joao Gomes stands out as the superior option. As data analyst Ben Mattinson has pointed out, the Rio de Janeiro-born midfielder excels in several key areas that are crucial for a player in the number six position. For instance, Gomes leads in metrics such as tackles won, blocks, clearances, ball recoveries, and aerial duels won per 90 minutes. These are all critical components of a midfielder’s defensive duties.
Moreover, Gomes also surpasses Bissouma in several offensive metrics, demonstrating his well-rounded abilities. He ranks higher in non-penalty expected goals plus assists, actual non-penalty goals plus assists, passes into the penalty area, goal-creating actions, and successful take-ons, all per 90 minutes. This indicates that Gomes is not just a defensive stalwart but also a contributor to the team’s attacking play.
Conclusion
Given the challenges Tottenham has faced with Bissouma’s off-field issues and the fact that Gomes’ underlying numbers were significantly better last season, pursuing the Brazilian midfielder before the transfer window closes next week seems like a smart move. Gomes could provide the stability and versatility that Spurs need in midfield, making him a valuable addition to Postecoglou’s squad. As Tottenham aims to build a team capable of competing at the highest level, securing Gomes’ signature could be the final piece of the puzzle.