Gent forward Jonathan David is ready to shine in one of Europe’s major leagues after an ‘outstanding season’ in Belgium, manager Jess Thorup tells Transfermarkt of the reported Tottenham, Wolves and West Ham United target.
Bayern Munich’s flaming arrow of a left-back Alphonso Davies is not the only Canadian wonderkid pulling up trees this side of the continent.
At the age of just 20, Brooklyn-born David is also a footballer with the world at his feet.
Arguably the most gifted North American forward to emerge since a certain Christian Pulisic, the adaptable attacker produced 23 goals and ten assists during a staggering breakthrough campaign in the Jupiler League.
And, according to Walfoot in February, every Premier League team worth their salt sent a scout to watch David in a Europa League clash with Roma, with Spurs, Wolves, West Ham, Leicester, Aston Villa and Liverpool keeping tabs on him.
As you might expect, David scored against the Italian giants in front of the watching world.
So Thorup is not exactly surprised by the level of interest in his top scorer and talisman.
“As his coach, I say, of course not entirely unselfishly, that he should play for us one season. (But) as a neutral spectator, I have to say that the boy belongs to one of the top leagues,” Thorup says.
“He has everything he needs to become a big player in world football and I don’t just mean his athleticism, but his human qualities too.
“Some players would get carried away after such an outstanding season. David stays on the ground. He could appear arrogant and say ‘I am the king of Gent’, but instead he pushes his teammates in every game.
“For him, the focus is not on his personal success, but that of the team. Having such an attitude at the age of 20 deserves my full respect.”
Goal reported earlier this year that David, so impressive has he been since moving to Europe, had been identified by Arsenal as a £17 million replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang too.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
