Tottenham and Everton are set to go head to head in the transfer market.
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly rivalling Everton for the signature of PSV Eindhoven flyer Steven Bergwijn as the youngster continues to shine following his breakthrough into the Dutch giants’ first team – but Spurs must be careful.
ESPN claimed earlier this week that Spurs and Everton were to go head to head for the 20-year-old’s signature, as his stock continues to rise after five goals and six assists in 22 Eredivisie appearances this term.
Mauricio Pochettino has a history of signing speedy wingers from foreign clubs at a young age, only for the majority to flop with the north London club as a lack of game time scuppers their growth.
Clinton N’Jie was signed from Lyon in the summer of 2015, but he managed just 14 appearances in all competitions and was allowed to move back to France just two years later. He is now thriving with Marseille.
It is similar with Georges N’Koudou. The 23-year-old has managed just 23 appearances for the north Londoners, after joining Spurs from Marseille in August 2016. He is now on loan with Burnley.
If Spurs are to complete the signing of Bergwijn, then they must make sure that he is capable of achieving a place in the first team in years to come rather than becoming somewhat of a disappointment – such as N’Jie and N’Koudou.
The odds will be stacked against Bergwijn from making an immediate breakthrough into Spurs starting line-up with Son Heung-Min, Christian Eriksen, Lucas Moura, Dele Alli, Moussa Sissoko and Erik Lamela all vying for a slot in the side.
Spurs must scout Bergwijn extensively to be certain that the Netherland youth international will not become just a repeat of another failed Pochettino signing.
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