Who is transfer target Julian Brandt, and is he a good fit at Tottenham?

Hot on Tottenham’s transfer radar is Bayer Leverkusen’s Julian Brandt, but what is the likelihood he’ll join the North London club, and would he fit into Mauricio Pochettino’s plans? 

Sought after by Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, Liverpool and Spurs, the 23-year-old German is garnering special attention from many top European clubs, so why all the buzz and allure?

A formidable attacking midfielder

Brandt scored nine goals and added 17 helpers in 2018/19.

The attacking midfielder has the ability to smash the ball with either foot, not really favouring one over the other. He prefers to play on the left but often switches to the right depending on how the opposition attempts to combat his slaloming runs.

Regarding versatility, he’s as adaptable, if not more so, than a player like Eric Dier. He can play in both offensive and defensive roles on both flanks, and is as proficient up front as he is as a defensive wing-back.

A laundry list of impressive attributes

Brandt’s shooting prowess is another of a laundry list of impressive attributes he possesses. His ability to trouble keeper’s from range automatically puts defenders on the back foot.

Dribbling at a breakneck pace, Brandt’s close control and ability to skin defenders in tight quarters would be an invaluable asset at Spurs.

Brandt’s impressive list of valuable attributes also includes his ability to find a pass, both from long and short range. He crosses with the whip and precision of Kieran Trippier and never shies away from pushing the tempo. And his defensive nous is far superior to that of Trippier’s.

For his age Brandt has bundles of international experience, including being part of Germany’s European Under-19 Championship in 2014. He also has 24 appearances under his belt  for the senior national side, another example of his outstanding progress at the top level.

A good fit at Spurs?

To bolster his squad and challenge for titles, Pochettino is in dire need of a quality, young winger like Brandt. The German also works unrelentingly in attempting to win back possession, a trait Pochettino values highly.

Unfortunately some sources point to Liverpool as Brandt’s most likely eventual suitors. The German connection between Brandt and Jurgen Klopp tends to reinforce those rumours, but Spurs are, after club representatives held talks in the last few days with Brandt’s father, certainly in the running to win his signature.

Brandt still has two years remaining on his contract at Leverkusen but has a release cause that would allow him to leave the German club for an estimated £21 million, a similar price range for what Son Heung-Min (£22 million) and Lucas Moura cost (£25 million).

A perfect mould for Pochettino to mentor and nurture, Brandt would fit seamlessly into the team, probably even sliding into Spurs first 11. Playing in the Bundesliga has also prepared him for the physical rigours of England’s top flight.

What do you think of Brandt, do you believe Spurs have a chance of signing him, and would he improve the club’s chances of challenging for the title in 2019/20?