After Gray: Spurs considering move for “monster” £43m PL star, it’s bad news for Deki – opinion
Ange Postecoglou’s debut season at Tottenham Hotspur was far from smooth. Dealing with significant injuries and the departure of star striker Harry Kane, qualifying for the Europa League was an achievement.
However, Postecoglou aims to push Tottenham higher up the Premier League table, and with strategic transfers, he just might succeed.
Daniel Levy and the Tottenham board have already made a promising move by signing Leeds United’s wonderkid Archie Gray for £30 million. Yet, the latest player linked to N17 could be a game-changer at the sharp end of the pitch, potentially upgrading on Dejan Kulusevski.
According to insider Paul O’Keefe, Tottenham has reignited their interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers’ ace Pedro Neto.
While O’Keefe hasn’t mentioned a potential price, Football Transfers reported that Wolves have reduced Neto’s asking price to £43 million. Arsenal is also interested in the 24-year-old winger, making this a competitive pursuit.
If Levy can secure Neto’s signature, it would be a significant coup for Spurs. Neto prefers playing on the right of a front three, putting him in direct competition with Kulusevski for a starting role. Comparing their performances from last season, Neto appears to have the edge.
Neto vs Kulusevski | ||
---|---|---|
Stats per 90 | Neto | Kulusevski |
Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists | 0.47 | 0.40 |
Progressive Passes | 3.21 | 4.69 |
Progressive Carries | 5.83 | 4.92 |
Shots | 1.98 | 1.81 |
Shots on Target | 0.68 | 0.69 |
Passing Accuracy | 74.5 | 77.2 |
Key Passes | 2.26 | 2.15 |
Shot-Creating Actions | 4.45 | 4.14 |
Goal-Creating Actions | 0.83 | 0.26 |
Successful Take-Ons | 2.20 | 1.76 |
Ball Recoveries | 4.70 | 4.33 |
Aerial Duels Won | 0.24 | 0.23 |
All Stats via FBref for the 23/24 Domestic Season |
In 24 appearances last season, Neto scored three goals and provided 11 assists, averaging a goal involvement every 1.74 games. In contrast, Kulusevski scored eight goals and provided three assists in 39 appearances, with a goal involvement every 3.54 games.
A deeper look into their underlying metrics shows Neto’s superiority. While Neto makes fewer progressive passes, has a lower passing accuracy, and takes fewer shots on target, he excels in other crucial areas.
He leads in non-penalty expected goals and assists, progressive passes, key passes, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons, ball recoveries, and aerial duels won per 90 minutes.
One significant concern with Neto is his injury record. He has missed 46 games for club and country over the last two seasons.
This history could impact his ability to consistently start for Spurs, but it also allows Postecoglou to rotate him and Kulusevski, ensuring both players receive adequate rest and game time.
While no transfer is without risk, Neto’s lower asking price and high potential make him a worthwhile investment. His ability to play as an inverted right-back also provides tactical flexibility, a trait Postecoglou values highly.
Tottenham’s involvement in the expanded Europa League next season demands a deeper and more versatile squad. Neto’s addition would bolster Tottenham’s attacking options and provide depth across multiple positions, addressing both immediate and long-term needs.
Ultimately, securing Pedro Neto could be a masterstroke for Tottenham. His ability to influence games, combined with his versatility, makes him an ideal fit for Postecoglou’s system. While his injury record poses a challenge, the potential benefits far outweigh the risks.
Tottenham’s proactive approach in the transfer market, highlighted by the acquisition of Archie Gray and the pursuit of Pedro Neto, signals a clear intent to compete at the highest levels.
With the right additions, Spurs are well-positioned to build on their progress and challenge for higher honors in the coming seasons.
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