Götze to Spurs – At What Odds?
Written by Tamhas Woods
Under Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham have developed into a side that blends an endearing bulldog spirit with continental flair to great effect. Straight into the Group Stage of the Champions League on this occasion, the 2016/17 season represents Tottenham’s best chance in a generation of becoming one of Europe’s truly elite clubs.
The Champions League trophy has never graced North London, but with the most dynamic and exciting squad in living memory, the incentive for Tottenham to do (on just the second attempt) that which Arsenal Football Club has failed to do in eighteen has never been stronger than at present.
Other than possessing great strength in depth, one of the key elements of a successful Champions League campaign is the ability to score away goals and defend them without fear. While Tottenham certainly have sufficient talent and depth in the defensive half of the pitch, an over-reliance on Harry Kane will ultimately prove to be the undoing of Tottenham’s European hopes.
Signing an additional marksman should be Pochettino’s top priority in the wake of his new five-year contract, and according to multiple bookmakers, Tottenham are contenders to sign several standout names this summer. Although some names are much more feasible than others, every man has his price, and with Champions League football assured for next season, it is not unreasonable for Tottenham to aim for the stratosphere of the transfer market.
Saido Berahino (West Bromwich Albion)
Though evidently talented, Berahino did his reputation no favours in the autumn of 2015, becoming a pariah of West Bromwich Albion following his public refusal to play for the club after being denied a move to White Hart Lane.
This made it a simple case of when (not if) the striker would travel south, even though Pochettino would have little time for such a temperamental character in his squad. That noted, Pochettino could do much worse than take advantage of the fact that he is considered by far the likeliest candidate to acquire Saido Berahino this summer.
Berahino would in many ways be the perfect foil to Harry Kane. With his excellent holdup play and passing ability, Berahino’s relationship with born finisher Kane could be similar to the famous Bergkamp/Henry setup which enabled rivals Arsenal to go unbeaten for an entire season twelve years ago.
Temptingly, Berahino can currently be backed at an average of 11/10 to become a Tottenham player before September.
Berahino is odds-on to finally get his desired move to Tottenham. For the latest Tottenham match odds, visit Matchbook.
Ezequiel Lavezzi (Hebei China Fortune)
Another option as a ‘support’ striker, Lavezzi’s life in the Chinese Super League has not begun in a remarkable manner. As of his eighth appearance for Hebei, Lavezzi has yet to score, and his current form is a far cry from that which he enjoyed at the peak of his career.
Now 31, his arrival at Tottenham would be a direct contradiction to Pochettino’s apparent preference for youth over experience. However, it is that experience in negotiating Europe’s premier club competition with the likes of Napoli and PSG which would be an asset to Tottenham’s looming campaign.
Discouragingly, typical prices for a move to Tottenham are currently extending to 20s. This is considerably longer than those for hated rivals Arsenal, yet much shorter than the prices given for Chelsea, West Ham and Manchester United.
Mario Götze (Bayern Munich)
A world cup winner at just 21 two years ago, Götze’s speed, technique, dribbling skills, and play-making capabilities are at times second to none in the Bundesliga.
With Bayern Munich’s domestic dominance showing no signs of stopping, Götze has little reason to move on, but the past several days have seen fresh rumours of an imminent move to Liverpool resurface. As recently as Tuesday, the eve of Liverpool’s first Europa League final in 15 years, Reds midfielder Roberto Firmino publicly stated that Götze would be an excellent fit at Anfield.
This development has caused the odds on Liverpool signing Götze before September to shorten drastically in the past two days.
What the German superstar would add to Tottenham is self-evident, but as far as Pochettino is concerned, acquiring Götze is a distant hope at present with the average price of him doing so currently quoted at around 28/1.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG)
Several sources report that the 34-year old will sign for Manchester United this summer. On Tuesday, betting was even suspended on a move to United. By the time these very words are read, the Swedish enigma may indeed have signed for the Red Devils.
Currently priced at around 40/1 to sign the force of nature that is “Ibra”, Tottenham are barely in the frame to compete for the Swede’s signature. However, unlike Manchester United, Tottenham are in next season’s Champions League and guaranteed six group stage games at the very minimum.
Ever the showman, it would be in Ibrahimovic’s nature to pursue a club that can offer him another shot at Champions League glory. Though Ibrahimovic would not make many starts for Tottenham, he could be deployed as an impact sub whenever Tottenham find themselves in negative situations that require the composure of a cultured player over the age of 30.
Until recently, Tottenham largely struggled to emulate the achievements of other London clubs, with a League Cup win in 2008 being the only highlight of an otherwise desolate 2000s decade. This struggle to compete was caused in no small part by a lack of confidence-inducing personnel on the pitch, while the more decorated clubs of the capital flaunted charismatic, ferocious players such as Thierry Henry and John Terry.
Handled incorrectly, there is a significant chance that Ibrahimovic would become something of a disruptive influence, but the man undeniably has a psychological aura of magic that only a few players in the history of the ‘beautiful game’ have ever possessed.
All prices stated are subject to significant fluctuation. Developments beyond 23rd May not accounted for.
