According to Serie B News, Walid Cheddira is now a target for Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici at Tottenham.
Tottenham want Walid Cheddira
Well, you may not have heard much about the Morocco international, if anything.
If that is the case, it’s probably down to the fact that Cheddira has never played top-flight football in his career, although he is surely on the brink of making the step up.
The 24-year-old has caught the eye of Tottenham after rising to the top of the Serie B scoring ranks this season, with 13 goals in 13 appearances for Bari.
Serie B News believe Spurs are considering a €15m (£13m) bid for Cheddira in July as the north Londoners aim to improve their attacking options, although there may be competition from Napoli.
The Moroccan only signed for Bari on a permanent basis in June, so he is contracted to the Italian side until the summer of 2025, which puts the Serie B outfit in a strong negotiating position.
However, there is no way Bari can compete with Tottenham financially, so a £13m offer should be enough to get a deal done – especially if they fail to achieve promotion to Serie A.
Walid Cheddira could be Dele Alli 2.0 at Tottenham
For those turning their nose up at the fact Cheddira has never played top-flight football, let us remind you of Dele Alli.
The Milton Keynes-born midfielder had never played higher than League One before Mauricio Pochettino brought him to Tottenham in 2015, and he went on to become an England international as well as one of the best players in the Premier League.
There is certainly talent to be found in the lower leagues, and for those doubting whether or not Cheddira would be a suitable addition should put their trust in Paratici, who knows the Italian football market very well indeed.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as the Bari No.11 could soon be moving to the Premier League with Tottenham.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
