Tottenham feel the time is right to sign prolific Ajax star

Tottenham have been silent for two consecutive transfer windows, but Spurs officials feel the time is right to swoop for Hakim Ziyech this summer.

Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino knows he might lose two former Ajax stars in the summer given the uncertainty surrounding both Christian Eriksen and Toby Alderweireld. Ironically, Tottenham may choose to purchase another Ajax star to serve as a replacement for Eriksen in the midfield.

European sources claim that Tottenham are actually scouting multiple players at the Eredivisie club. Centre back Matthijs de Ligt is a target for several European powers, but Spurs are keeping tabs on his status. Deep-lying midfielder Donny van de Beek also has a lot of fans at the club. The Ajax player Spurs really want to bring to North London this summer is attacker Hakim Ziyech.

The Moroccan star is older than most of his teammates at Ajax which might suppress his transfer value slightly. On the other hand, he’s ready to come to the Premier League and contribute immediately at 26-years-old. Tottenham see him as a versatile attacker who can help reinforce their attacking midfield.

He’s been Ajax’s most productive player this season by a fair margin. 19 goals and 11 assists across all competitions are excellent numbers for any player. The fact that Ziyech has played some of his best football in Champions League play has really raised his stock with the decision makers at Spurs.

Tottenham’s interest in Ziyech doesn’t depend on Eriksen’s potential departure, but obviously the Dane leaving North London would increase the need for Spurs to buy a player capable of filling his spot in Pochettino’s starting XI. Ziyech doesn’t have the same range of passing that makes Eriksen so dangerous, but he is a better finisher in front of goal.

It’s unclear whether Ajax or Ziyech are interested in a potential move. From the player’s perspective, the chances to improve his wages in England will be attractive. However, he’s very settled at Ajax and will want assurances about his chances at regular playing time for Spurs.

The club certainly don’t want to lose him this summer, but they know this could be the last chance they have to sell him for a significant profit. It’s very unlikely Ajax will refuse a reasonable bid by Tottenham.

Spurs fans might prefer to see players from more competitive leagues be purchased this summer, but that remains difficult for a club with Tottenham’s budget. Look for Ziyech to be scouted extensively as the season progresses by Pochettino and his trusted advisers.