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Tottenham looking to beat Barcelona for Ajax star

By Rucker Haringey

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - DECEMBER 10: Donny van de Beek of Ajax battles for the ball with Etzaz Hussain of Molde FK during the group A UEFA Europa League match between AFC Ajax and Molde FK held at Amsterdam Arena on December 10, 2015 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - DECEMBER 10: Donny van de Beek of Ajax battles for the ball with Etzaz Hussain of Molde FK during the group A UEFA Europa League match between AFC Ajax and Molde FK held at Amsterdam Arena on December 10, 2015 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /
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Tottenham want to mine Ajax for talent again

Both Barcelona and Tottenham have dispatched scouts to Ajax this season to take a close look at the wealth of talent there. In particular, Spurs hope to beat the La Liga giants for the signature of midfielder Donny van de Beek in January.

Reports from De Telegraaf (via Talksport) claim that Tottenham, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester United have all expressed interest in the 20-year-old midfielder. It’s not surprising to learn that Mauricio Pochettino’s squad seems to be the side most willing to step up and make a move for van de Beek in January.

Tottenham, of course, are no strangers to bringing Ajax stars to the Premier League. Davinson Sanchez made the move this summer, but he wasn’t a trailblazer in that regard. Previously Christian Eriksen, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld all plied their trade for the Eredivisie power before making their way to North London.

Ironically, van de Beek’s arrival at Tottenham could help minimize the role of another former Eredivisie star at the club. Mousa Dembele’s ever-declining health status continues to be a problem for Pochettino. It’s unclear just how long the Spurs gaffer can rely on him to be a regular member of the club’s starting XI.

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Pochettino isn’t entirely bereft of other options, but it’s always a prudent move to add young talent to the squad. Van de Beek could find a way to force his way into the mix just as Harry Winks has done this season.

He likely wouldn’t be expected to make an immediate impact this season, but that’s not impossible either. The aforementioned Davinson Sanchez certainly showed no difficulty making the transition from Ajax to Tottenham.

In terms of playing style, van de Beek is an excellent fit for Pochettino. He does it all for Ajax. He’s notched one goal and one assist in his 9 league appearances this season. Van de Beek is also a midfielder who isn’t afraid to throw his weight around in the middle of the pitch. Pochettino might particularly enjoy the three yellow cards he’s earned on the young season.

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The real key to this transfer race could easily be Tottenham’s willingness to make a significant offer in January. Other interested squads might prefer to scout him for a full season before making a bold move. That isn’t Pochettino’s style. He won’t hesitate to swoop for van de Beek in the winter window if he believes he can impact the squad.

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