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Ryan Sessegnon, a signing Tottenham must make

By Spencer Sharpe

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 29: Ryan Sessegnon of Fulham celebrates during the Premier League match between Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion at Craven Cottage on January 29, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 29: Ryan Sessegnon of Fulham celebrates during the Premier League match between Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion at Craven Cottage on January 29, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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After an inconsistent season with Fulham, the young fullback/winger is looking to move on, with Tottenham the front-runners to land Ryan Sessegnon.

He made 35 appearances in the Premier League this season, operating all over the park for the eventually doomed London side. Sessegnon was not at fault for Fulham’s demise, contributing six goals and two assists, equating to 23 percent of his club’s league goals. That, though, shows just how anemic Fulham’s offensive output was.

Mainly a left winger, Sessegnon also deputized heavily at left back, two positions where Spurs need reinforcement. Still 18 years old until tomorrow, May 18th, he is a highly rated, dynamic prospect, regardless of the difficulties he faced in his first Premier League campaign. With rumors of Danny Rose’s possible departure rampant, Tottenham are in the market for another left back, and Sessegnon fits the bill.

However, with his contract set to expire next summer, Fulham will not want to lose out on a transfer fee and will probably look to sell to a top PL club for top dollar. Transfermarkt puts his value at around $39.9m, but Spurs and Daniel Levy will look for a discounted rate. Fulham, however, have reportedly set an initial asking price of £40 million.

Spurs have had a longstanding interest in Sessegnon, with him previously turning down a move to North London. He preferred to stay with Fulham and was a key reason the west Londoners achieved promotion in 2018.

While interest from Manchester United, PSG and Juventus is heating up, Tottenham are still the frontrunners.

According to BBC’s David Ornstein, Spurs want to complete the signing soon, and prefer him in a left back role. Ornstein reports, however, that Tottenham have not made a formal bid yet.

Sessegnon’s versatility bolsters highly his market value. His best current position is farther forward, but he can easily drop deeper, much like Rose did when he first arrived from Leeds.

He also offers more in attack than Rose and Ben Davies, a crucial facet to the club’s playing style. This season the fullbacks weren’t always positive in the final third and a change is needed for improvement. Whether on the wing or in defense, Sessegnon can be a difference maker, as he was in the Championship two seasons ago.

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Ryan’s twin, Steven, is also plays for Fulham and there are quiet rumors he could be part of a deal to bring them both to Spurs.

Tottenham must match their accomplishments this season with an ambitious and active transfer market. Having not signed anyone since Lucas in January 2018, new players are needed to keep the squad fresh and competitive.

Completing this signing could push the club on this summer, bringing even more success next season.