If You Can’t Beat Him, Sign Him: Spurs In Race For Former European Opponent

With Tim Sherwood in charge, Tottenham exited the Europa League in Benfica in 2014, despite staging a late comeback in Lisbon to throw the tie’s outcome into doubt through two late Nacer Chadli goals. Remember Andre Gomes from that game? Well, Spurs are now in the race to sign him. 

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The midfielder now plays his football at Barcelona, and is now being made available for a season-long loan by the European giants. Spurs have reportedly shown an interest in Gomes with West Ham also ready to take 24-year-old on loan.

The former Benfica man is reportedly on £80,000-per-week, which would fit in nicely within Tottenham’s fair, but much criticised wage structure. Reports suggest that Gomes favours a move to North London. Mauricio Pochettino is a huge admirer of Gomes and would love to see him come through the door at Spurs on transfer deadline day.

Spurs have already brought in Serge Aurier on transfer deadline day from PSG for a fee of £23m, and are close to completing a deal for Swansea City striker Fernando Llorente that could be worth up to £15m. However, Spurs are not finished yet and could add to their deadline day business with the signing of Gomes.

Gomes predominantly plays in the middle of the park and can play in defensive midfield, acting as a playmaker in a deeper role, or he can play further up behind the striker.

Squad depth will be key to Mauricio Pochettino this season as his side adapts to playing at Wembley Stadium. The Argentine boss will have to juggle the Premier League, Champions League, EFL Cup and the FA Cup over the course of this season and will be keen to add numbers to his squad before the transfer window slams shut at 11pm tonight.