Reports: Barcelona star set for surprise Tottenham Hotspur move
What's the story?
English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur seem to be getting better and better with each passing season. The Lilywhites wrapped up the 2016-17 season as runners-up in the League - their best finish in over 50 years.
Keen to capitalize on their form, Tottenham witnessed an eventful transfer window which saw the arrival of Davinson Sanchez, Serge Aurier, Fernando Llorente and Juan Foyth.
However, reports in the Daily Star claim that Pochettino isn't completely satisfied with his acquisitions, and is believed to be plotting a move for Barcelona's Andre Gomes, come the January transfer window.
In case you didn't know...
Barcelona were open to selling the midfielder towards the end of the transfer window last week, and Tottenham were reportedly only a whisker away from nabbing Gomes. Despite competition from West Ham, Pochettino's side was believed to be leading the race, with Gomes indicating interest in a loan-based move to Tottenham, to work with the Argentine manager.
The need to replace Neymar after his stunning departure to Paris Saint-Germain in a stunning coup, rendered Barcelona incapable of finding an able replacement for Gomes, and the Catalan club subsequently decided to shelve their plans of selling Andre Gomes.
The heart of the matter
Andre Gomes arrived at Barcelona just a year ago for a fee of approximately £50 million, but has since failed to make a lasting impression on the managements and fans, alike. An abundance of talent at Barcelona forced Gomes to play out of position, crippling his natural game.
Gomes is said to have fallen down Ernesto Valverde's pecking order after scoring just 3 goals in 47 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions, and had admitted his inclination towards a temporary move, if not permanent.
Meanwhile, Tottenham have seen steady improvement over the last few years, bolstered by the arrival of extremely talented players like Dele Alli and Harry Kane. The North London club seem to have forced their way through the ranks and have effectively transitioned into a superpower. Well, on English shores at least.
A runners-up finish last season could very well herald a new era for the club, who will now be capable of attracting top talent from across the world.
The added pressures of the UEFA Champions League will invariably require extra reinforcements, prompting Tottenham to line up reinforcements, with Andre Gomes reportedly occupying top spot on their priority list.
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Author's Take
Andre Gomes, 24, is undoubtedly an extremely promising footballer and still has the best part of his career left ahead of him. Under the right guidance and conditions, he could evolve into quite a menacing force once he finds his rhythm.
While his future at Barcelona may be hanging by a thread, a move to Tottenham will greatly benefit all involved parties, with Tottenham standing to gain the most. They already possess an exuberant squad that will certainly be enhanced, should they successfully sign the midfielder.