Hotspur HQ
Fansided

How much merit in Nathan Ake to Tottenham transfer rumours?

By Gary Pearson

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Nathan Ake of AFC Bournemouth arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and AFC Bournemouth at Selhurst Park on May 12, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Nathan Ake of AFC Bournemouth arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and AFC Bournemouth at Selhurst Park on May 12, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The rumours about Nathan Ake’s prospective move from Bournemouth to Tottenham won’t manifest into anything but pure speculation. 

The Sun’s propensity for a sensational headline continues with this latest unfounded rumour, which discusses the possibility of Ake moving to Tottenham for £40 million.

Ake, despite what some pundits say, is not the ideal Toby Alderweireld replacement. The Dutch defender has played an irrefutably vital role at Bournemouth, helping the unassuming club solidify its Premier League status.

A team known for their expansive and free-flowing play, Bournemouth aren’t afraid to go head to head with every team they come up against. But Eddie Howe’s risk forward football doesn’t come without pitfalls.

Ake marshalled a rearguard that conceded the third most goals (70) in 2018-19, with only Huddersfield (76) and Fulham (81) allowing more.

One can’t blame Ake for his manager’s attacking style of play, but the 24-year-old Dutchman simply isn’t good enough to lead Tottenham’s backline. Not yet anyway.

Definitely athletic and powerful enough, Ake lacks slightly the football intelligence needed to marshal a top side. This is an attribute, in the right environment, that can be learned over time, but Spurs need a centre back ready to play immediately at an elite level.

Chelsea, if their two-year transfer ban is lifted, will be the frontrunners to sign Ake. The Blues have a buy-back clause with Ake, whose playing style is better suited to life at Stamford Bridge.

Despite the rumours, Alderweireld has said he’s committed to staying at Spurs at least until the 2020-21 season.

The Belgium international’s £25 million release is cause for concern, but hopefully Tottenham can convince Alderweireld to stay, particularly after another superb season at Hotspur Way. He recovered brilliantly from a long-term injury, and was one of the first names on Mauricio Pochettino’s team sheet last season.

Next. Where do Tottenham stand on signing Bruno Fernandes?. dark

A six-year age gap between Ake and Alderweireld leads one to think the Bournemouth defender has ample time to develop into a world-class centre-back. To a certain extent that’s true, but no amount of time will bridge the colossal gulf in class between the two central defenders.