According to Tom Barclay of The Sun, Tottenham have not ‘made a move’ for Ryan Fraser this summer and may have withdrawn their interest in the 26-year-old after being put off by his form in 2019/20. Fraser had a hand in 21 goals from 38 Premier League games in 2018/19 but managed only five in 28 games last season, so his stock has fallen considerably and interest is said to have ‘dried up’.
Would Fraser improve our squad?
In 2019, he would have done. Jose Mourinho has Heung-min Son, Lucas Moura, Erik Lamela, Jack Clarke and Steven Bergwijn at his disposal and is on the hunt for another wide forward (Said Benrahma, Leon Bailey), however, so the ship may have sailed on the Bournemouth player.
- 2016/17 (Premier League): 28 appearances, three goals, eight assists
- 2017/18 (Premier League): 26 appearances, five goals, three assists
- 2018/19 (Premier League): 38 appearances, seven goals, 14 assists
- 2019/20 (Premier League): 28 appearances, one goal, four assists
That being said, Fraser has contributed 45 goals in his last 115 league games (1 goal per 2.5 games) which trumps Moura (1 goal per 4.37 games), Lamela (1 goal per 5 games) and Bergwijn (1 goal per 3.5 games), so he’s outperforming a number of our players. Son (1 goal per 1.6 games) has been more prolific, but Fraser is no slouch.
As per WhoScored, the 26-year-old created 45 chances, had a 50% dribble success rate, whipped in 174 crosses with 15% accuracy, had 27 shots with 44% hitting the target and won 36 free-kicks in 2019/20. Fraser’s numbers aren’t terrible, so should the door be fully closed?
Could our lack of finances lead a U-turn?
The Sun don’t believe we’ll return for Fraser, but he would be a cheap alternative as he’s a free transfer. The Scottish international reportedly turned down £67k-per-week/£3.48m-a-year from Bournemouth and has an offer of £50k-per-week/£2.6m-a-year from Crystal Palace, so his wages won’t break the bank.
Not having to pay a transfer fee is highly beneficial in our current climate, so you would think Levy will keep a watchful eye. We have to strengthen at right-back, centre-back, midfield and in attack this summer, so should we shop for more bargain buys? Dwindling revenue from the pandemic may dictate our movements in the transfer market.
In other news, Tottenham’s forgotten defender could cost suitors a lot of money