Bournemouth have been one of the Premier League’s surprise packages this season, and Tottenham could look to raid them this summer. Here are five stars they should consider poaching.
More often than not, when smaller clubs have an impressive season, the big boys come sniffing.
Tottenham could well do the same this summer, with Bournemouth boasting some of the most exciting talents in the league.
With the Cherries set to visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it presents a perfect scouting opportunity for Ange Postecoglou and his recruitment team.
The clash sees seventh-placed Bournemouth take on a Spurs side languishing in 13th. While Bournemouth still have plenty to fight for, Tottenham’s season has drifted into dead rubber territory, with a win only enough to propel them as high as 12th.
Regardless, Sunday’s game provides a chance for Spurs to assess some key Bournemouth players up close. Here are five names they should be looking at.
Bournemouth
Milos Kerkez – Full-back depth and quality
Tottenham desperately need extra cover at full-back, and not just a makeshift option—an actual specialist in the role.
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Kerkez fits the bill. The young defender has been one of the standout full-backs in the league this season. Kerkez has caught the eye of Liverpool, the current league leaders—that alone speaks volumes.
If Spurs manage to lure him away, their full-back issues could be sorted. His arrival would add depth, quality, and crucial competition in the defensive ranks.
Antoine Semenyo – A versatile attacking option Tottenham need
Semenyo has been a consistent performer throughout the season. The Ghanaian winger offers versatility- he is capable of playing on either flank. He brings pace, power, dribbling ability, and a clinical touch in front of goal—traits Tottenham could use, especially on the right.
At present, Brennan Johnson seems to be the only viable option in that position. Semenyo would provide much-needed creativity and attacking impetus.
His 11 goal contributions this season, including seven league goals—one more than Heung-min Son—highlight his attacking threat.
Dean Huijsen – A future defensive powerhouse for Tottenham?
Huijsen has settled into Premier League football seamlessly. The Spanish centre-back, just 19 years old, is already showing immense potential.
He is comfortable on both feet and possesses an eye for goal, an unusual but valuable trait for a centre-back.
His numbers back it up: 11 chances created, 21 touches in the opposition’s box, and an impressive defensive output, including 76 recoveries and three possession wins in the final third.
Stat Value
Tackles won % 72.0%
Duels won % 56.9%
Aerial duels won % 59.7%
Interceptions 37
Recoveries 76
Possession won (final third) 3
Dribbled past 7
Expected assists (xA) 0.86
Pass accuracy 84.2%
Long ball accuracy 52.6%
Chances created 11
As seen on Fotmob
Spurs are in the market for a centre-back, and if they can snatch Huijsen, they might just have a future world-class defender in their ranks.
Illia Zabarnyi – A composed defensive alternative
If Tottenham are not keen on going for Huijsen, then Zabarnyi presents an equally compelling option. The Ukrainian centre-back has been a rock at the back for Bournemouth, exuding calmness in possession and defensive solidity.
Six Premier League clean sheets is a respectable return for a side outside the traditional top six. Spurs have already had a £70 million bid for Marc Guéhi rejected by Crystal Palace, so if that pursuit proves fruitless, Zabarnyi would be a smart alternative.
Andoni Iraola – A wildcard managerial option for Tottenham?
It might not just be Bournemouth’s players that Spurs should keep an eye on. Their head coach, Andoni Iraola, could soon be a name in the frame.
Ange Postecoglou is under mounting pressure, with his season now hinging on Tottenham’s Europa League campaign.
Based on their uninspiring first-leg display against AZ Alkmaar, it does not look promising.
Iraola’s name keeps surfacing in discussions about Tottenham’s potential managerial changes, and given the job he is doing at Bournemouth, it is not hard to see why.
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