Tottenham Hotspur, under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, are gearing up for a pivotal summer. Following a mixed debut season, the North London club has qualified for the Europa League, but they aspire to challenge the Premier League’s top teams. To achieve this, chairman Daniel Levy must secure top-tier talent in the upcoming transfer window.
Tottenham Targeting Conor Gallagher
Reports indicate that Tottenham remains interested in Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher. According to journalist Ben Jacobs via Playback TV, Spurs are “expected to bid” for the English international this summer. However, they face competition from Atlético Madrid, who have already had a £20m bid plus bonuses rejected. Chelsea values Gallagher at around £55m, but the player himself is keen to stay at Stamford Bridge.
Comparisons to Declan Rice
Gallagher’s impressive performances last season have earned him comparisons to England international Declan Rice. According to FBref, which analyzes players across Europe’s top five leagues, Rice is the tenth most similar midfielder to Gallagher. Key metrics such as non-penalty expected goals and assists, shots on target, passing accuracy, tackles, and interceptions show striking similarities between the two.
Versatility and Impact
Both Gallagher and Rice are versatile midfielders capable of playing various roles. Last season, Gallagher was deployed in multiple positions, including attacking midfield, central midfield, and defensive midfield. Similarly, Rice’s versatility was evident as he played in defensive midfield, central midfield, and even as a center-back for Arsenal.
Gallagher, dubbed a “monster” by respected analyst EBL, contributed significantly to Chelsea’s campaign with seven goals and nine assists in 50 appearances. Rice’s stats are comparable, with seven goals and ten assists in 51 games for Arsenal. Both players have demonstrated their ability to influence games offensively and defensively.
A Worthy Investment
While the financial outlay for Gallagher may be substantial, his potential impact on Postecoglou’s midfield makes him a worthwhile investment. His ability to contribute in various positions and influence both ends of the pitch could be transformational for Tottenham.
Ultimately, securing Gallagher could provide Tottenham with the dynamic midfield presence they need to advance to the next level under Postecoglou’s leadership.
