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Tottenham getting close to signing Real Sociedad’s Brazilian striker

By Gary Pearson

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Willian Jose of Real Sociedad looks on during the Pre-Season Friendly between Millwall and Real Sociedad at The Den on July 27, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Willian Jose of Real Sociedad looks on during the Pre-Season Friendly between Millwall and Real Sociedad at The Den on July 27, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images) /
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Tottenham’s initial offer for Real Sociedad’s Willian Jose has reportedly been rejected, but the north London club is still close to landing the 28-year-old. 

Calciomercato.com is reporting today that Tottenham made a £21 million bid for the Brazilian striker, who has scored eight goals in La Liga so far this campaign. Real Sociedad are asking for £41 million, so the gap is by no means insignificant.

However, Willian Jose travelled to London to meet with Tottenham officials, spearheading speculation that this deal is as good as done. I would suggest people, knowing Tottenham the way we do, should hold their horses and temper their expectations.

One thing is clear, though: Real Sociedad are not including the Brazilian in their long-term plans and already excluded him from their Copa del Rey victory against Espanyol. That’s an example Tottenham should follow in regards to Christian Eriksen, another story entirely. It looks like Real Sociedad have no intention of playing Willian Jose while transfer speculation is rife.

He definitely fits the Jose Mourinho prototype. Big, burly and strong, Willian Jose is an excellent target man. He holds the ball up well and is superb in the air, defining characteristics of prominent strikers Mourinho has worked with in the past.

For this deal to happen, Daniel Levy is going to have raise somewhat considerably his offer. I can’t see Real Sociedad offering anything less than £30 million. And even that is a lowball valuation of the 28-year-old.

Though a loan deal is a more probable option at this stage, with Real Sociedad reportedly steadfast on the player’s £59 million release clause. A loan deal resembling Giovani Lo Celso‘s with an option to buy is a better solution for both sides, who want negotiations to wrap up as soon as possible.

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While it’s still slightly too early to get your hopes up, the prospect of this deal coming to fruition is much higher than speculation for any other player. A loan deal could be announced as quickly as the weekend, but you never know with Levy involved.