The Real Madrid midfielder has suggested he might have to leave the Spanish club in order to get proper game time. The door is would appear firmly open for Tottenham to pounce.
Real Madrid’s Champions League victory last month has been followed by Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo admitting they could leave. Manager Zinedine Zidane then went one step further and officially stepped down as manager, leaving Real looking like a different side just days after their historic win.
And now a third player has suggested he’s eyeing up the exit door – Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic.
“I believe I’ll play more, whether in Real or somewhere else,” Kovacic said on Friday. “Now is the time for me to play.” Although he was adamant that he wasn’t speaking of anywhere specific.
The news that Kovacic could be available will grab the attention of many top clubs around Europe. The 24-year-old was one of the most highly rated young midfielders around when he joined Real Madrid in 2015 and while his progress has stalled, he’s an immensely talented player.
One club who should be tempted to move fast is Tottenham Hotspur. The blindingly obvious Luka Modric comparison is one that oversimplifies things slightly – regardless of any nostalgic feelings, Kovacic would be an ideal addition to the Tottenham side.
A creative, possession-based player, Kovacic would take the pressure off of Christian Eriksen to be a creative force, freeing the Dane up to move forward. He’d add quality to the Tottenham midfield, and is in the same age bracket as key men Harry Kane, Eric Dier, Heung-min Son, and Eriksen, helping to keep continuity to the side.
And that continuity that’s needed, too, with current central midfielder Mousa Dembele yet to commit his future to the team. Kovacic’s the right style, the right age, and in the right position – it sounds like Kovacic wants out and Tottenham better move fast.
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