Ukrainian legend Yozhef Sabo has urged Tottenham Hotspur to snap up Dynamo Kyiv wonderkid Ilya Zabarnyi this summer.
Alessandro Bastoni was reportedly Tottenham’s number one target for the left centre-back role but the centre-back’s agent insisted two weeks ago that his client will remain at the San Siro this summer (Football Italia).
Reports have indicated that Spurs have not yet given up on their pursuit of Bastoni and that Inter could potentially change their stance on the centre-back before the transfer window closes (The Athletic).
According to Football.London’s Alasdair Gold, Zabarnyi is said to be one of the other centre-backs on Tottenham’s list this summer.
The youngster has not only impressed at club level over the last 12 months but has also established himself as a regular in the Ukrainian national side.
Sabo believes Zabarnyi has all the attributes to reach the very top of the game, and insisted that the 19-year-old could be worth around €50m (£43.5m) in a couple of years.
When asked about Tottenham’s interest in the centre-back, the former Dynamo Kyiv manager told 1927 Kiev: “Zabarnyi is a good player, he is serious about football and has to grow. He plays well in selection, in the air and in gear. He must be bought.”
MORE SPURS STORIES
When asked if the teenager’s rumoured €30m (£25.8m) valuation is a fair one, Sabo responded: “I think he is more expensive. It is clear that he is a football player. And at once, plays great, has speed. Therefore, Babayan was not inferior in speed.
“You (Dynamo) need to sell – he will have a completely different mood and motivation (if he joins Tottenham). Of course, you shouldn’t pay for nothing – in a year or two, Zabarny will cost €50 million. (£43.5m).”
Spurs Web Opinion
Zabarnyi is a top talent and I am not surprised that Spurs are monitoring him. While the 19-year-old might not immediately strengthen Tottenham’s starting eleven, the club might be looking at him as an option to replace Joe Rodon, with the former Swansea man looking likely to depart.
Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
