According to Mohamed Toubache-TER (h/t GFFN), Tottenham are ‘interested’ in Ibrahim Sangare amid uncertainty over Tanguy Ndombele’s future. The report says we’ve been following the 22-year-old for a while but have yet to make an official bid.
Would he leave Toulouse?
Possibly. Toulouse were relegated from Ligue 1 last season, so Sangare might want to continue playing in the top-flight. Les Violets aren’t in any rush to sell, however, as the 22-year-old signed a three-year deal in 2019. President Damien Comolli publicly stated his desire to keep Sangare too, saying that Toulouse don’t have financial woes, so they may take some convincing.
What would he bring to our midfield?
A box-to-box threat. The Ivorian is adept at turning over possession, dominant in the air, can dribble with the ball from deep and is creative in the final third. As per WhoScored, Sangare featured 25 times in Ligue 1, created 27 chances, won 46/71 aerial duels, made 30/39 successful dribbles, had 22 shots with 22% hitting the target, blocked 29 passes/crosses/shots, made 48 clearances, won 24 free-kicks and averaged a tackle (84) or interception (39) every 18 minutes.
Jose Mourinho isn’t short on options with Harry Winks, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Moussa Sissoko, Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele at his disposal, but Ndombele was inconsistent last season and struggled for playing time during the second half of the campaign. He’s been linked with a move to Inter Milan too, so might Sangare be his replacement?
How much could he cost?
Sangare was valued at €25m last year, but Toubahce-TER believes Toulouse may accept €15m-€20m this summer. Toulouse’s most expensive sale is Issa Diop (£22.5m to West Ham United) and the club are negotiating from weakness following their relegation to Ligue 2, so we shouldn’t have to break the bank to bring him to North London.
Summary
Danny Rose, Serge Aurier, Juan Foyth and Cameron Carter-Vickers could be sold to generate funds towards new arrivals, so it remains to be seen if we’ll make an offer to Toulouse for Sangare. We’re clearly interested but may have to part company with an existing player before bringing in another.