Tottenham transfer: How Georginio Wijnaldum would help Spurs
If Tottenham are able to purchase Georginio Wijnaldum from Newcastle, how will he help the Spurs attack?
Most Tottenham fans, myself included, have painful memories of Newcastle midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum scoring two goals against Spurs in the Premier League regular season finale we’d all like to forget. Perhaps those could be somewhat erased if Spurs are able to acquire the Dutch attacker this summer.
The Telegraph is reporting that Spurs officials are going to turn their attention towards securing a deal for Wijnaldum after a deal for Dutch striker Vincent Janssen is finalized. Wijnaldum joined the Mapgies in a 14.5 million pound deal last summer, but may be keen to leave after seeing the club relegated to the Championship.
Wijnaldum isn’t going to provide Tottenham with another striking option, but he could have a significant impact on the Spurs attack. His pace, trickery and eye for goal would all be welcome additions to Mauricio Pochettino’s attacking forces.
The question is how much impact the Newcastle man could really have. Tottenham seemed to be set with three starting attacking midfielders with Christian Eriksen, Erik Lamela and Dele Alli. That leaves only a substitute’s place open for the goal scoring Magpie.
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Fortunately for Wijnaldum, there is real opportunity available on the Tottenham bench. Both Nacer Chadli and Son Heung-Min are rumored to be on their way out this summer, which would leave a giant hole in the Spurs squad. Wijnaldum could immediately come in and be Pochettino’s top attacking choice off the bench. In truth, he’ll likely become that even if Chadli and Son stay at White Hart Lane.
Some fans might question the need to acquire a 25-year-old player who isn’t going to slot immediately into the starting 11, but I think it’s a wise potential move for Tottenham. They’re going to need more attacking depth to cope with the added pressures of Champions League football next season.
Adding a player like Wijnaldum will also allow Pochettino to field stronger lineups in Cup competitions next year. That news should please a great deal of Tottenham fans who did not enjoy Pochettino’s conservative lineups in domestic cup competitions this past year.
Don’t underestimate the importance of adding a fellow Dutch teammate for Vincent Janssen either. The young Dutch striker has a chance to be an excellent player, but having a fellow countrymen on the same squad could do wonders to ease his transition to life in the English Premier League. This isn’t a reason to purchase Wijnaldum in and of itself, but it’s a significant added bonus.
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If Tottenham are able to swoop in and steal Georginio Wijnaldum from Newcastle then Spurs fans should celebrate. He could be the perfect super sub to make a huge impact off the Tottenham bench next year.