Why young defender Ozan Kabak would be a perfect fit at Tottenham
Turkish journalist Mehmet Demirko while speaking to beIN Manset (Daily Express), claimed that Tottenham are closing in on Schalke defender Ozan Kabak.
The 20-year-old centre-back has grown into one of the best defenders in Bundesliga this season after featuring 26 times for Schalke. He also contributed to the side with three goals and one assist, keeping five clean sheets in the process.
Kabak, who joined Schalke from Bundesliga rivals Stuttgart last summer, has had a breakthrough season at the Veltins Arena this term under coach David Wagner. Touted as the future of Turkish national team defence, Kabak has so far featured once for his country, having made his debut in November last year.
Kabak’s swift rise at Schalke at such a young age has now attracted the likes of Premier League side Tottenham, who are in clearly in need of some defensive reinforcements. However, the Turkish international would not be an easy catch for manager Jose Mourinho’s side as he has a £40million buy-out clause in his current Schalke contract.
Kabak a good replacement for Tottenham veteran Vertonghen
Spurs are set to lose veteran defender Jan Vertonghen at the end of the season after both parties failed to agree on a new contract extension for the Belgian. The 33-year-old has been one of the mainstays in Tottenham’s defence in the past couple of years and his uncertain future at the club remains a cause of worry for Mourinho’s side.
Also, Tottenham might lose Argentine defender Juan Foyth, who is in search of more game time after falling down the pecking order under Mourinho. Apart from Vertonghen and Foyth, Tottenham also have Toby Alderweireld, Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier at their disposal.
However, considering the side’s dismal show this season so far, it is evident that defence is an area where Spurs need to strengthen if they wish to climb back to the top.
Hence, a move for a rising talent Kabak seems like a wise move by the club as he could prove to be a potential replacement for their star veteran Jan Vertonghen.
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Verdict
Vertonghen’s uncertain future means Tottenham have a huge void to fill if he chooses to depart the club at the end of the season. In such a situation, Kabak, who is just 20 and has already proved himself in the Bundesliga, would be a prospect worth considering. He could develop further under the guidance of a coach like Mourinho.
