Which Midfielder Should Tottenham Sign?
Olivier Kemen (19) – Newcastle United
What he’s done recently
Two years ago, Olivier Kemen joined Newcastle United from FC Metz.
Although the 19-year-old has yet to make his Premier League debut, he’s been playing with Newcastle’s U-21 squad in the U-21 Premier League.
In two seasons, here’s what Olivier Kemen has done:
- 2013-14 U-21 Premier League season: 12 appearances, 1 goal, 0 assists
- 2014-15 U-21 Premier League season: 14 appearances, 2 goals, 2 assists
There are only 22 games in the U-21 Premier League but it’s good to see Kemen play in half of the season. In terms of goals scored and assists, he doesn’t have much, but as a central midfielder that’s expected, especially a 19-year-old who recently just moved to England. He’s still raw and needs more time to develop which could explain why he hasn’t been promoted to Newcastle’s first team.
How would he fit with Tottenham
As a central midfielder — not too mention being 19-years-old — he would be added to Tottenham’s growing talent pool in their youth academy. Those same players are soon going to be called up, giving the Lilywhites some of the best homegrown players in England.
Obviously with a manager who values young players being part of his squad with an eye on the future, Olivier Kemen would fit well in the white half of North London. With Harry Winks (19), Dele Alli (19) and Joshua Onomah (18) all being the same age the French international would feel at home and greatly improve.
Winks and Onomah are two players who will be promoted soon after spending time in Tottenham’s U-21 squad. Should Olivier Kemen be a part of this group, there’s a good chance he’ll start within a few years — assuming Tottenham signs him.
Can Tottenham afford him
No bid has been offered but the Daily Mail suggests that Tottenham are targeting the Frenchman. At the same time they report that Kemen’s agent has been in talks with AC Milan. If a transfer is complete to Milan, it wouldn’t be much of a loss as Tottenham haven’t really chased the French international.
Based on his age, the type of talent that he has and the club he currently plays for, Tottenham could send anywhere between £7m-12m to sign an unproven player who has potential to be good.
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