Spurs are reportedly targeting Watford wonderkid Richarlison after just three months in English football.
There’s something quite romantic about an unknown prospect taking English football by storm. In an era of YouTube montages, Football Manager and relentlessly televised games, even the average pub-goer could probably tell you a thing or two about the Bundesliga’s rising stars these days.
Watford’s summer addition of Richarlison, however, bucked the trend somewhat. The 20-year-old was something of a mystery signing having spent his entire professional career in his native Brazil.
It is satisfying, then, to see former Fluminense man Richarlison taking to the Premier League like a duck to water – so much so that he is being linked with a big-money move to Tottenham Hotspur after just 11 league games in Watford colours.
The Mirror report that Spurs scouts have been regular visitors to Vicarage Road this season with The Hornets’ £11.2 million attacker the object of their affections. Suddenly, comments from ex-Spurs midfielder Jamie Redknapp will take on extra significance among his old fanbase.
‘This kid is so special’
“He has the capability, the little things that he does are a little bit like a young Ronaldo,” Redknapp said after Watford’s 4-2 defeat against Chelsea in October, a game in which Richarlison caused huge problems despite spurning two second-half sitters.
“I’m not saying he can be as good as him but he does special things on the ball that only a few people can do – he drifts past people, there’s a little bit of petulance in his game still but if the manager can polish that diamond that’s there then he’s on to something.
“You can have a super talent and I remember seeing Ronaldo and thinking this kid is so special. He’s got the lot it’s just the little bits that he needs to polish.”
The report adds that Richarlison, who has four goals already for Watford, possesses the speed, goal-threat and adaptability that Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino is looking for.
If the Samba star can be half as good as Ronaldo, Tottenham would have one hell of a player on their hands.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
