Tottenham tried and failed to lure Ante Rebic to the Premier League back in 2013 – and he’s now the hero of Eintracht Frankfurt after downing Bayern Munich.
Tottenham Hotspur fans might not remember when they were linked to Eintracht Frankfurt’s DFB Pokal hero Ante Rebic.
And why should they? He was an unknown 19-year-old playing for RNK Split when Spurs lodged a £5 million bid, as reported by The Mail.
At the time, Tottenham were also keen on Leandro Damiao and trying to keep Gareth Bale from Real Madrid’s clutches so, clearly, that was a while ago.
But, five years on, Rebic has just produced a sensational individual performance which not only highlights why Spurs had tipped him for the top, but suggests that the North London giants could do worse than to renew their interest.
The Croatian international was the hero as Frankfurt stunned Bayern Munich 3-1 in the DFB Pokal final on Saturday, sealing their first trophy in 30 years. He scored twice on the night, giving Frankfurt a tenth minute lead with a razor sharp finish after dispossessing Thiago, before netting the second in the 80th, powering past Mats Hummels to flick into the net.
It was a display of ferocious pace, fearsome desire and no little quality in the final third – three attributes Mauricio Pochettino demands from his Spurs team.
Still only 24, Rebic has time on his side and appears to have limitless potential. And with Tottenham still looking for a more suitable back-up for Harry Kane, Rebic should be back in their sights as he revels in denying Bayern another domestic clean sweep.
Rebic still has plenty to learn, but where better than under a Tottenham manager renowned for turning potential into world class talent?
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