Why Tottenham must plot a summer swoop for Merih Demiral
Back in December 2019, the Sun had claimed that Tottenham officials had contacted Juventus defender Merih Demiral’s agent about a move. However, no deal materialised during the January transfer window and he stayed put at Juventus.
Merih Demiral, 22, who joined Juventus for a fee of £16million this past summer from fellow Serie A outfit Sassuolo, has only played five league games for the Old Lady so far this season. Giorgio Chiellini, Daniele Rugani, Matthijs de Ligt and Leonardo Bonucci are all ahead of the Turkish centre-half in the pecking order under manager Maurizio Sarri.
The 22-year-old hasn’t featured for the Turin giants since picking up a serious knee injury in the 2-1 away win at AS Roma on January 12 – a game in which he scored. He is expected to be sidelined until the summer, however.
Meanwhile, with several key players injured, Tottenham have struggled to put in a string of consistent performances under Jose Mourinho. They are currently 8th in the league table after failing to win any of their last three league games.
The North Londoners have lacked any kind of stability at the back this season. There have been a lot of changes in defence, with Jose Mourinho opting three at the back at times. The constant chopping and changing in defence has seen Spurs leak 40 goals in 29 games.
Spurs boss Mourinho needs to get his team back to form for the next season and to do that, he has to bring in defensive reinforcements, with experienced defender Jan Vertonghen out of contract at the end of the season.
The performances of Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez haven’t been up to the mark this season, while Juan Foyth has been completely out of picture under Mourinho. That being said, Tottenham must rekindle their interest in Merih Demiral when the transfer window opens in summer.
Demiral made a name for himself at Alanyaspor in his homeland before moving across the continent to join Sassuolo on loan in January 2019. The centre-back started 14 games in the Serie A during the second half of the previous campaign and impressed with a string of consistent displays, which prompted Juventus to make a move for him immediately after Sassuolo signed him permanently.
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The 22-year-old has produced some outstanding displays for Turkey this season, helping them qualify for the Euro 2020 finals. However, he has found regular minutes difficult to come by at Juventus this term but Demiral could get a chance to revive his career under Mourinho at Tottenham.
The Turkish international would be a replacement for the ageing Vertonghen, whilst adding depth to Mourinho’s squad as well.
Verdict
With immense quality and some experience at a higher level, Demiral certainly has the tools needed to play in the Premier League. He is just 22, has a lot more to offer and Spurs should be able to enjoy his services for the long term.
