Tottenham interested in signing 32-year-old Belgian
By Gary Pearson
Tottenham are reportedly interested in snatching Napoli striker Dries Mertens to back up Harry Kane in north London.
CalcioMercato, a fairly reputable Italian online publication, recently broke the story, saying Mertens, who is in the last year of his contract, is interested in a move to the Premier League.
Tottenham would have to pay about £10 million to secure the striker’s signature, an amount that will appeal to Daniel Levy’s thrifty side. The valuation makes sense when taking into consideration Mertens’ age. The 32-year-old journeyman is entering the twilight years of his career, which has seen him play at five clubs in 15 years.
He is, however, still contributing at a fairly impressive rate. Mertens has four goals in 10 Serie A appearances this season to go along with five Champions League goals in as many starts. That puts the wily veteran in fourth position, a goal behind Harry Kane, on this season’s Champions League goal-scoring chart.
He would, of course, come to Tottenham as Kane’s understudy, offering the captain some much needed respite over the course of a long, gruelling campaign.
Is it realistic to think the 32-year-old could come to Tottenham in January?
It’s a potential transfer worth exploring, as the approximate £10 million cost matches Tottenham’s price point. He is also at the stage of his career where playing second fiddle to Kane makes sense.
He will soon be too old to land an appealing starting role at a big club. I’m sure Mertens took note of what Fernando Llorente achieved at Tottenham while playing in Kane’s shadow. Seeing Llorente score decisive, timely goals and make it to the Champions League final, all as a reserve striker, will strengthen Mertens’ case. And finally, what player doesn’t want to work with Jose Mourinho in the best stadium in the Premier League, the world’s most watched domestic competition?
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Sounds like a fantastic way to spend your last few years. According to PayWizard.org, he’s currently making about £120,000 per week, but his wage would have to drop if he has any hope of joining the Lilywhites.
A more feasible wage would see him earn about £80,000 a week at Spurs, not bad for a few seasons in London before hanging up his boots once and for all.