Tottenham have been closely linked to Ross Barkley, Max Meyer and Suso this summer – is there a standout option from that trio?
Tottenham Hotspur have once more been reported as interested to talented attacking midfielders in the media this week, with Milan playmaker Suso again linked by Marca and Schalke talent Max Meyer linked by The Guardian.
Alongside reports from Sky Sports that Spurs are following Ross Barkley’s situation at Everton very closely, it seems clear that Mauricio Pochettino’s side are looking to strengthen that area of the pitch.
But of those three exciting possibilities, which player would be the best to move for?
Former Liverpool prospect Suso enjoyed the best season of the three, coming good on his potential to register seven goals and 11 assists for an improving Milan side. He has been consistently linked to Spurs since impressing in Italy, though the Serie A giants are unlikely to entertain an offer unless it is particularly difficult to turn down. Transfermarkt tentatively rate him at £13.2 million (€15 million) – but he would surely cost at least double that according to Calcio Mercato. Favouring a position on the right but able to play in any attacking midfield role, the 23-year-old might be a good bet with Moussa Sissoko’s future uncertain and Erik Lamela likely to miss the start of the season.
Meyer’s season saw his stock fall compared to last year. The Guardian says Spurs enquired after the Germany international last summer and were quoted £39 million, but after a tough season for all involved at Schalke, this summer’s phone call revealed that Meyer’s asking price has dropped to a much more affordable £17 million. Still just 21, he was certainly the most underwhelming of the three possible signings last season, netting just twice and assisting five times in 39 games as Schalke finished 10th – some way off both his usual contribution to goals and his club’s expected Bundesliga position. However, his age, versatility (like Suso, can play on the wing and as a number 10) and his reasonable price tag make the German an attractive option.
Barkley’s rumoured £50 million asking price has caused Spurs to take a step back and adopt a waiting game, according to Sky Sports, hoping that the fee comes down before the end of the window. The reality is that Barkley is never going to go for the £17 million Meyer is reportedly available for, but he overcame some difficult moments last season to score six and assist nine for Everton over the last 12 months – again, some way off his 12 goal campaign in 2015/16.
Both Meyer and Barkley have a year to run on their current deals, and with difficult relations at their clubs, are more likely to be allowed to leave this summer. The German is the only option without Premier League experience – potentially vital considering recent struggles by imports from Ligue 1. All three are renowned for their ability on the ball rather than their searing pace, but Suso is perhaps the player that ticks the most boxes.
His price tag will not be at the levels of Barkley, yet he has the experience of English football that the cheaper Meyer lacks. Suso also boasts the strongest recent form and an ability to play out wide and in the middle – with Barkley lacking the discipline to occupy either wide position at Spurs.
Though he left the Premier League for peanuts in 2015 – just £1 million according to the Mail – he’s well worth bringing back to these shores for a figure as much as 30 times that amount.
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