Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly one of the clubs interested in signing Algerian international Ibrahim Maza this summer, with the playmaker's value destined to sky-rocket after the World Cup.
Instead of earning the "next Messi" tag back in his homeland, Algerian supporters have instead crafted a nickname tying him to Messi's outstanding predecessor: Diego Maradona.
Some reports suggest that "Mazadona" was birthed in his childhood, while others credit national team fans for the clever but rather obvious portmanteau. While so many of those who garner these monikers ultimately flatter to deceive, there are high hopes that 20-year-old Maza could make something of himself at the highest level.
Inspired by Algeria's run to the knockout stages in 2014, Maza is poised to represent his country in North America this summer. Vladimir Petković's side are one of the dark-horses no one is talking about, with their squad laden with high-quality technicians and difference-makers in the final third, including Maza.
After continuing the promising start to his Bundesliga career with Bayer Leverkusen last season, it's no surprise that Maza is now earning Premier League interest.
Tottenham among clubs interested in Ibrahim "Mazadona" Maza
Tottenham need greater creativity in midfield, there's no doubt about that, but the club are more likely to target a passer from deep than an intricate playmaker. We hope to have James Maddison at 100% for the start of next season, while Xavi Simons should be back at the start of 2027. Who knows when Dejan Kulusevski will be fit again?
Still, I wouldn't be against stockpiling playmakers and raising the technical level of the team. Maza may emerge as a market opportunity for Spurs this summer, with the Daily Mail's Simon Jones (via The Spurs Express on X) reporting that the 20-year-old is on our radar. Arsenal and Chelsea are also said to be interested.
Maza profiles as a subtle No. 10, but his dogged effort out of possession and ability in one-on-one situations mean he can even perform as a box-to-box midfielder or out wide. He's a clever and canny footballer.
2025/26 was his first full season in the Bundesliga, having spent two years in the second tier with Hertha Berlin. Maza took to the level jump like a duck to water, and he was never overawed on Champions League nights either.
Readying himself for his first World Cup experience, there's every chance Maza emerges as one of the surprise packages of this summer's tournament.
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