Champions League Finalists. Who would have ever thought we’d be saying that at the start of the season?
Despite the heartbreak in Madrid, we have a lot to look forward to this summer, too. It seems like Daniel Levy is ready to open the chequebook, and we may just get our first signing in 18 months. But rather than doing what we’ve always done in the transfer market, perhaps it’s time for us to make a statement.
We got to the biggest game of the biggest competition in European football. The Spurs name has never been greater. Which is why this could be the perfect time for us to beat a Premier League heavyweight like Manchester United to the punch, and bring in Sporting CP sensation Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese international has been nothing short of extraordinary this season. Valued at £49.5m by Transfermarkt, Fernandes hit a ridiculous 32 goals from midfield. 32. And if that wasn’t enough, he also set his teammates up 18 times. If you wanted to know the definition of what a goal-scoring midfielder is, then look no further than the 24-year-old.
It’s therefore little surprise to see him linked with some of the biggest sides in the world, but according to Portuguese publication Record (via The Express), we could have the edge. The report claims that we’re ‘very close’ to confirming the signing of the Sporting star, and that he is set to snub interest from United and Liverpool to get the chance to play under Mauricio Pochettino.
With us being able to offer prospective targets Champions League football as well, we already have a major advantage when it comes to negotiations that involve United or even those from down the road. Too many times over the years we’ve either seen players leave us or turn us down to head to Old Trafford.
But this summer could finally be different. We’re in the driving seat, and it’s important we make a statement. This is a pivotal few months in the club’s history, make no mistake about that. If we continue to remain frugal with our spending, then this could be the end of Pochettino’s time at the club, and the end to any hope of us laying claim to a trophy. But do it right, and this could be the start of a new era.
Beating United to the signing of Fernandes isn’t simply to add a goal-scoring midfielder to our ranks, or as a potential replacement for Eriksen. It’s about making a statement that we’re here to stay, and that we’re competing for the best.