The North Korean government has given Han the go ahead to join Juve, and Spurs should steer clear.
Tottenham Hotspur have recently been linked with the North Korean striker Han Kwang-song. In January TuttoSport claimed Tottenham had made contact with the 19-year-old’s representatives over the potential of a January switch to North London for the North Korean.
No deal ever came off but Spurs have continued to be linked with a move for the Cagliari striker ever since.
However, this is quickly looking like a deal Tottenham would be best to avoid. The simple reason, unfortunately, is where Han hails from.
Not many North Koreans go on to be big stars in the world of football. The secretive state, north of the home country of current Tottenham star Son Heung-min, is not exactly a hotbed of activity for European football clubs.
Reports from Corriere dello Sport this week are suggesting that the striker will be allowed to move to Juventus, with the North Korea government giving the all-clear for such a deal, which could be worth around €18 million (£15.9 million). It is apparently due to an Italian senator called Antonio Razzi, who has close links with North Korea’s supreme leader Kim Jong-Un.
Han Kwang Song of Cagliari
He is even quoted as stating:
“Kim Jong-Un is a big football fan. When he was studying in Switzerland, he went incognito to San Siro to follow Inter and Milan. Han at Juventus would be an outstanding peace testimonial for North Korea who, thanks to the PyeongChang Games, was the protagonist of the rapprochement with South Korea.”
“I sent (Juve CEO Giuseppe Marotta) a text message: ‘Keep an eye on Han, he’s one for Juve’. He replied: ‘We are evaluating’. Now I think they have evaluated well: once reached the agreement with Cagliari, they will take him to Turin.
“I would not be surprised if, with Han in black and white, the North Korean government invited Juve to play in Pyongyang.”
So as good as Han might be Tottenham will surely not be pursuing his transfer.
The talented striker could go on to be a star but it seems his career may be destined to continue in Italy, given the connection between Razzi and his homeland.
It might be a shame for Han, who is unlikely to get an opportunity to play in England in the future.
But as far as Daniel Levy and Tottenham are concerned, taking on the North Korean government might be a step too far in the transfer market.
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