Spurs believe they are leading the race to sign Maccabi Tel Aviv’s midfield sensation, Oscar Gloukh, according to a report from the Sunday Mirror (10/7; page 74).
The report claims that Maccabi are looking for a fee in the region of £10 million to part ways with their prospect. Gloukh, 18, was instrumental in Israel’s dream run to the U19 Euro final where they lost to England, with the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Ajax, Rangers, and Roma are also in the running for the starlet’s signature.
The 18-year-0ld, however, recently signed a two-year contract with the Tel Aviv club and they are said to be attempting to convince him to extend for another four years (The Sun).
Scouts from Rangers watched him in the Euro U19 semi-final against France in which he scored. Maccabi Tel Aviv’s manager Vladimir Ivic also said earlier this month that he would not be sold unless a team offered £8 million.
Our View
Spurs need to plan their midfield for the future. They already have exciting young talent in their ranks with Alfie Devine arguably at the top of the list.
The likes of Harry Winks, Tanguy Ndombele, and Giovani Lo Celso could be sold this summer, following their omission from the club’s South Korea pre-season tour. Therefore, Spurs’ interest in Gloukh makes sense.
While the club may be hesitant to pay £10 million straight-up to secure his services, it is a gamble worth taking.
Ivan Perisic is an impact signing for their midfield but given his age, he is not an option for the long-term future, especially with the tendency that he will be played as a left wing-back. Gloukh could well be that option to provide a creative spark when needed.
