Tottenham Hotspur were targeting plenty of young players in the 2024 summer transfer window and 19-year-old Desire Doue was one of those. Here’s everything we know about the French starlet.
There had been much talk about the positions Tottenham are looking to fill this summer, and despite the extension of Timo Werner‘s loan spell in London, another winger was thought to be on the list.
Spurs had been linked with Rennes winger, Desire Doue already, but may face competition from Chelsea (The Sun), as well as European giants, PSG and Bayern Munich (Abdellah Boulma).
Let’s get to know Doue a little better.
Name: Desire Doue
Place of birth: Angers, France
Current club: Paris Saint-Germain
Former club(s): Stade Rennais
Desire Doue career stats
Desire Doue made his big breakthrough in the 2022/23 campaign, but it was the following season that he really flourished and caught the eye of clubs outside of France.
In his first full season with Rennes, Doue made 34 appearances in all competitions and even played in the Europa League. He bagged four goals and one assist (Transfermarkt).
Last season was far more productive for the winger. Doue scored four goals and added six assists in 43 appearances, and had more involvement in the Europa League (Transfermarkt).
As per FBRef, Doue was in the top ten Ligue 1 players last season for passes into the penalty area (45), was ranked seventh for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (4.87), and ranked fourth for goal-creating actions per 90 (0.66).
He also completed 64 successful take-ons throughout the season, putting him fifth in the league.
Doue was nominated for the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award last season.
Desire Doue strengths and weaknesses
If Spurs were to sign Desire Doue, they would be getting a winger who is naturally gifted when it comes to dribbling, and is particularly effective on the counter attack.
The young Frenchman has a great long-range shot in his locker, has skills and trickery that draw fouls quite often, and is also pretty hard-working when it comes to tracking back and doing defensive work.
He’s not the strongest player, though. He is often dispossessed a little too easily, and will also struggle in the air.
What have people said about Doue?
A report from Transfermarkt described Desire Doue as a “phenomenal talent” and is seen as the “latest star” on the conveyor belt of exciting youngsters coming through in France.
In an article from The Sun, it is said Spurs, Chelsea, and Manchester United are all looking at Doue, who is labelled a “wonderkid”, and is commended for how “versatile” he is.
On Twitter, Zach Lowy said Doue is “sensational to watch,” while Tom Maston described the 19-year-old as a “massive talent,” and Goncalo Dias claimed he is “one of the greatest French prospects” right now.
What do The Spurs Web think?
Desire Doue is a tricky little winger who definitely has the talent to be one of the best midfielder in world football.
Desire Doue has since joined PSG and a move to Spurs is no longer considered likely.