Why Tottenham Hotspur must land Zeki Celik as soon as possible
According to Football.London, Lille right-back Zeki Celik has been linked with a move to Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.
The 23-year-old has become one of the regulars within the Ligue 1 side since his move from Turkish side Istanbulspor back in 2018.
Celik made 23 appearances for the French side in the league this past season, helping the team to 11 clean sheets, while providing three assists, giving a fair glimpse of his talent. Despite arriving just two years ago, he has already featured 68 times for Lille in just two seasons and has racked up one goal and eight assists in the process.
Celik’s swift rise through the ranks at Lille following his first spell outside Turkey looks promising and Tottenham have now shown an interest in the rising talent.
Celik can solve the right-back woes at Tottenham
Meanwhile, Tottenham under new boss Jose Mourinho managed to finish sixth last season and secure a Europa League spot despite their initial struggles. One of the main reasons for their dismal show last season has been a shaky and inconsistent defence that conceded as many as 47 goals in 38 league games.
Tottenham have also had issues at full-back with the right-back role remaining a problem position ahead of next season. They recently lost young right-back Kyle Walker-Peters to Southampton, after he impressed for them in the second half of last season while on loan.
This has left Mourinho with just Serge Aurier in that role. And this would prove to be costly for the Spurs if they wish to climb the rankings next season. The Ivorian is currently the side’s first-choice right-back. However, he has been far from impressive, making crucial errors at the back.
Aurier made 33 league appearances last season, managing just eight clean sheets. Thus, Mourinho should look for a better replacement. Also, Aurier has been constantly to be linked with a switch to AC Milan in recent days, meaning Spurs will be left with no one at right-back if the Ivorian chooses to depart.
Hence, the North London side’s interest in young and rising right-back Celik makes complete sense. Rather than waiting for Aurier to make a decision, Tottenham must up their interest in the Turkish youngster and land him in England as soon as possible.
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Verdict
Tottenham currently does not have a back-up for their main man Serge Aurier and this can prove to be fatal for the club next season. Also, with the Ivorian’s future with the club remaining a question mark, it would be safe for them to make a move for young Celik.
The Turkish international has already proved his potential at Lille and his arrival will only bolster Mourinho’s troubled defence.
