Tottenham desperately need to add at least one striker to their squad this month, but taking Luka Jovic on loan from Real Madrid is a poor plan for Spurs.
The absence of Harry Kane has rendered Tottenham utterly useless in front of goal during their last three matches. It’s imperative that Jose Mourinho find a new striker to ignite his attack before the January transfer window slams shut.
Based on talent alone, Real Madrid hitman Luka Jovic would be an excellent stand in for Kane. The 22-year-old Serbian has struggled to acclimate himself to life in La Liga, but there’s little question that he’s a talented centre forward. Spurs would immediately benefit from his ability to lead the line the moment he arrived in North London.
That doesn’t mean that Tottenham’s current plan to land Jovic is perfect. If, as the Mirror suggest, Spurs are willing to take Jovic in on loan then it completely changes the complexion of the move for Spurs. Simply renting a developmental striker to help solidify things this season is not the ideal option for Mourinho and his coaching staff.
The ideal solution for Tottenham would be to purchase a young centre forward who can grow and develop behind Kane into a player who can help the club for years to come. Troy Parrott is tipped for big things at Spurs, but he’s likely several years away from really factoring into Mourinho’s first team plans. A bridge between Kane and Parrott is desperately needed.
Buying Jovic, even for a substantial transfer fee, would be a clever move by Daniel Levy and company. His struggles for Real Madrid have diminished his reputation all over Europe. Purchasing him as a distressed asset could turn into a stroke of genius for Spurs.
Obtaining him on loan and handing him significant playing time really only boosts Real Madrid in the long run. Yes, Jovic could get hot and help Tottenham shoot up the Premier League table this season, but that wouldn’t help Spurs solidify their attacking options behind Kane for years to come. If Jovic plays well it only means he will return to Real Madrid or be sold to another club willing to meet Real’s transfer demands.
If Tottenham are exploring the idea of taking in a striker on loan to help them survive the current campaign then they can find cheaper, more established options that Jovic. In short, Spurs either need to splash the cash required to buy Jovic or move along to other targets. Taking him in on loan doesn’t have enough upside for Tottenham.