Mauricio Pochettino is interested in adding Sampdoria’s Joachim Andersen to his squad, with 90min reporting via Italian outlet Tuttosport that a £25million fee was agreed in March.
Interest in the 22-year-old Dane has remained but it is likely that we will not sign him unless Alderweireld is sold.
A year or two ago the prospect of selling Alderweireld would have frightened many of us, but he is no longer the same player and the opportunity to sign a young confident defender should fill us with optimism.
Clubs such as PSG and Manchester United are also reported to be interested, so we would need to act quickly before his transfer fee potentially rises.
There are several positives about Andersen’s game. At 6’4″ he is strong and well-suited to an aerial battle. Like many modern defenders he loves to play out from the back, the level of composure he shows in his own final third is outstanding at times considering his age and the fact that this was his breakout season for Sampdoria.
He has similarities with De Ligt, whom we know all about, and likewise shares weaknesses with the Dutch. Andersen can be slow on the turn and reacting to a quick turn of movement and pace from attackers. This is vital in the Premier League, where he will come up against the likes of Aguero and Salah, both players who are difficult to track and are able to twist and turn in the box.
Andersen does need to improve if he is to become an imposing Champions League defender, but under a manager like Pochettino there is reason to believe this would happen – and losing Alderweireld would not be a thing to fear.