Former Belgium international Gert Verheyen wonders whether Premier League giants Arsenal or Tottenham Hotspur could come calling for Noa Lang in the summer transfer window, speaking to Het Nieuwsblad.
As ever, when discussing Lang, the conversation inevitably turns to his attitude rather than his ability.
The three-time Netherlands international provided 17 goals and 11 assists last season. He fired Club Brugge to the Jupiler League title while being rewarded for his outrageous form with the division’s Young Player of the Year award.
Lang, during his time at Ajax, became the youngest player in 60 years to score a hat-trick on his Eredivisie debut. Some have even compared the twinkle-toed Dutchman to Neymar, while Memphis Depay called him a ‘monster’.
But there’s a reason why Ajax cashed in on Lang during the summer of 2020. As Verheyen himself says, when it comes this most ‘controversial’ of footballers, ‘you have to deal with gestures, with complaining and challenging.’
Maybe that is why Marcelo Bielsa, a coach who expects his charges to follow his instructions to the letter, got cold feet about Lang last summer (Athletic). Maybe that’s why links with Arsenal, Liverpool and co have gone quiet.
One suspects Mikel Arteta, having dumped Matteo Guendouzi and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang due to disciplinary issues, wouldn’t take lightly to a man Radja Nainggolan ‘can’t stand’.
Ditto Antonio Conte.
Which Premier League club is most likely to sign Noa Lang?
“Lang is 22 and sees (Club Brugge) as a stepping stone,” adds Verheyen.
“It is difficult to predict whether he will reach the very highest level, which he aspires to. He will not dream of clubs like Brighton. But the question is whether clubs like Arsenal or Tottenham will come this summer.”
Verheyen points out that the £25 million-rated Lang has found consistent form harder to come by during a second season in Belgium, even if his performances on the biggest of stages did not go unnoticed.
“The momentum is important and that is now somewhat gone,” he explains. “The Champions League group-stages, in which he proved himself, have been behind us for a while.
“But okay, he has time (on his side). Who knows, he might even make it to a top league.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
