Mourinho wants talented 22-year-old Norwich starlet – Would this be a good move for Tottenham?

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Why Tottenham should do everything possible to sign Jamal Lewis

According to German outlet BILD (h/t The Norwich Evening News), Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho is interested in signing Norwich City left-back Jamal Lewis.

Jose Mourinho is planning a spending spree as he bids to overhaul his squad. Jamal Lewis, Marcel Sabitzer, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Youcef Atal and Eder Militao are mentioned as key targets in the report. (h/t The Norwich Evening News) Interest in Atal and Lewis suggest the Tottenham manager is targeting the full-back positions to reinforce in the summer transfer window.

Jamal Lewis of Norwich takes the ball past Abdoulaye Doucoure of Watford during the Premier League match between Norwich City and Watford FC at Carrow Road on November 08, 2019 in Norwich, United Kingdom. (Getty Images)
Jamal Lewis of Norwich takes the ball past Abdoulaye Doucoure of Watford during the Premier League match between Norwich City and Watford FC at Carrow Road on November 08, 2019 in Norwich, United Kingdom. (Getty Images)

Speaking about Lewis, he emerged as a key figure for Norwich since his first-team breakthrough in Daniel Farke’s first season at Carrow Road. The left-back played a key role in helping the Canaries achieve promotion to the Premier League this past summer.

The 22-year-old has caught the eye in his 23 games across all competitions this term, although he did find himself occupying the bench since the turn of the year due to the impressive form of Sam Byram.

Lewis had re-established himself as a regular fixture under Farke prior to the Premier League suspension, nailing down his place at left-back following Byram’s hamstring injury.

The defender was a part of the Norwich side that knocked Spurs out of the FA Cup on penalties and he also played in a 2-2 league draw against them in December. Lewis, who has represented Northern Ireland six times, scored the winner against Leicester City.

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho celebrates with his players. (Getty Images)
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho celebrates with his players. (Getty Images)

With the left-back getting his first taste of Premier League football this term, Tottenham must definitely make a move for him in the summer.

Spurs have struggled defensively this season, conceding 40 goals in 29 games. Neither Toby Alderweireld nor Davinson Sanchez has lived up to the required standards this season. Jan Vertonghen has entered the final few months of his contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and could be on the move at the end of the season if the club doesn’t extend his contract. (h/t Football.London)

The left-back area has also been a problematic one for Mourinho, who allowed Danny Rose to join Newcastle United on loan until the end of the season. Rose, who has made five appearances for Newcastle, could be sold this summer. (h/t The Norwich Evening News) That should leave Tottenham with only Ben Davies as the only natural option at left-back.

That being said, signing a left-back should be prioritized and Jamal Lewis would be a good fit at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Jamal Lewis of Norwich City shoots during the Premier League match between Norwich City and Tottenham Hotspur at Carrow Road on December 28, 2019 in Norwich, United Kingdom. (Getty Images)
Jamal Lewis of Norwich City shoots during the Premier League match between Norwich City and Tottenham Hotspur at Carrow Road on December 28, 2019 in Norwich, United Kingdom. (Getty Images)

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Lewis has been a steady performer for Norwich, although the club are rock-bottom in the Premier League table. The Northern Ireland international has shown his ability to perform in the English top-flight and would be a valuable asset to Tottenham if he is able to replicate the same form he has shown at Carrow Road.

Verdict

The Norwich defender is only 22 years old and has a lot of room for development. He has performed well in his debut Premier League campaign and that experience should certainly help him in the near future. With left-back Davies needing cover and competition next season, Mourinho would be wise to recruit Lewis from the Canaries.