Georginio Wijnaldum Being Targeted by Tottenham

Tottenham’s next target, following the completion of Vincent Janssen’s signature, would be Georginio Wijnaldum to add more depth at attacking midfield.

According to the Telegraph’s Matt Law, Totteenham are currently looking at Newcastle midfielder, Georginio Wijnaldum, to help bolster their attacking midfield options even further.

Mauricio Pochettino has five attackers at his disposal already: Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli, Son Heung-Min. Josh Onomah and Alex Pritchard.

must read: Tottenham Pondering Ryan Mason Sale

Three of them are first team regulars, but Eriksen is now playing as a left midfielder/winger to accommodate Alli who is now the preferred option to link up with Harry Kane.

Son Heung-Min who has struggled for form because of an injury and Alli’s performances has now experienced the Premier League and should be expected to take that next step forward. But his second season will be delayed as he is set to represent South Korea at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro from August 5th to August 21st.

As for Alex Pritchard and Josh Onomah, are both talented youth players, but entrusting them to serve as Dele Alli’s backup isn’t a wise decision with Tottenham vying for a league title. Spurs need more experience at key positions, not a lack of it.

This is why Pochettino, per Matt Law, is going to focus on attacking midfield once Tottenham secures the services of Vincent Janssen and pay AZ Alkmaar £16.5 to £17 million for the 22-year-old striker.

“[…] Spurs have not been put off and Pochettino wants the Janssen deal wrapped up before moving on to his next target, which will be an attacking midfielder,” Law wrote.

"“As ever, Pochettino’s team of scouts and analysts have drawn up an extensive list of potential targets in that position – one of whom is believed to be Newcastle United’s Wijnaldum.”“Having already signed defensive midfielder Victor Wanyama, Pochettino wants to boost his attacking options to cover for injury and suspension and allow him to change formation. The Argentine also wants players in his squad who can make an impact from the substitutes’ bench.”“Janssen will predominantly join as a back-up to Harry Kane, but could also partner the England international while Wijnaldum would give Pochettino another goal threat from midfield.”"

More from Hotspur HQ

Being linked to Georginio Wijnaldum is exciting as the Dutch international flourished in his first season of Premier League football, by scoring 11 goals and registering five assists.

However, his signing will be tricky as Newcastle paid PSV £14.5 million last summer, and because of the year that the 25-year-old had, the Magpies would most likely want to receive around the same amount they paid, or at least £20 million for starters to finalize a deal.

What could possibly aid Spurs’ pursuit of the Dutch midfielder is him being open to a return to the Premier League following Newcastle’s relegation to the Championship.

“Of course I want to play at as high level as possible, in the Premier League, with a beautiful club – but not everything always goes the way you want. I will see what happens.” Georginio Wijnaldum said, regarding his future last month.

Having Wijnaldum on the substitutes’ bench would greatly benefit Tottenham when they’re looking to score a goal, but no one knows if the 25-year-old would like to be a backup to Dele Alli.

Next: Chelsea, Tottenham Fines Reduced by Football Association

Both players are very good in their own rights, but after being a starter, it’s difficult to accept a backup role, which is why signing Wijnaldum is going to be tricky. A possible solution would be to have Wijnaldum play behind Harry Kane while Dele Alli moves over to left midfield, forcing Christian Eriksen onto the bench.

Or, Alli is at the number 10, with Wijnaldum playing as a left midfielder. Either way though, someone is going to be dropped from the starting XI between Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen if Georginio Wijnaldum is somehow signed.

It’s a good problem to have for Mauricio Pochettino no doubt. But for now, this transfer rumor is worth following if there seems to be mutual interest from both parties.