Former Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld has issued a warning to his former club as they embark on their search for a new striker.
While Tottenham Hotspur were swift in their pursuit of defensive and midfield additions earlier in the summer transfer window, the pace has been different as they continue their search for attacking options.
The likes of Cody Gakpo, Victor Osimhen, Dusan Vlahovic and even Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson have all been linked with Tottenham, but still no new forward has come through the door.
The Premier League is now just 17 days away, while less than a month remains before the summer window slams shut on September 1, leaving Spurs with little time to get deals over the line.
Toby Alderweireld sends Tottenham warning over striker search
As Tottenham continue to weigh up their attacking options, former defender Toby Alderweireld has shared his thoughts on the club’s pursuit of a new striker and explained why he believes Spurs cannot afford to take risks in the transfer market this summer.
The former Tottenham centre-back believes Victor Osimhen possesses the qualities needed to transform Spurs’ attack and also outlined why the club must act decisively before rival sides enter the race for proven goalscorers.
Tottenham are rumoured to have put down a £55m bid for Osimhen this week, although Galatasaray are holding out for £65m.
Speaking to Hajper, as relayed by Standard Sport, Alderweireld said: “Victor Osimhen is a very good striker, and Tottenham Hotspur need a very good striker. They have lacked a top player there since Harry Kane so I think that’s an area where they have to improve.
“Osimhen has scored everywhere he has played. He is going to get you goals, even in the Premier League.
“Spurs cannot gamble too much this season. I think that’s why they are spending big money on big players because they know they need to give something back to the fans and they need to sign these players quickly before other clubs become interested. They need to get back to the level and the standard that we were used to.
“Spurs aren’t the only club that could use a striker like him but they need his goals because it’s what they lacked last season as well.
“The only concern for clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United is maybe his age. He’s not the youngest player anymore and it seems like everyone wants to find a 23-year-old superstar who can bang in goals for the next seven or eight years, and I understand that, but you also need a good mix.
“That’s why it can be important to sign proven players who know how things go so they can bring on the younger, potential superstars alongside them, because they can set the best example.
“I think about my time at Ajax. The mix was on another level. We had Dusan Tadic and Daley Blind and Frenkie De Jong and Matthijs de Ligt coming through. That’s what you need.”
Osimhen’s numbers show why Spurs are interested
Osimhen is no longer a young forward, with the Nigerian now 27 years of age. However, he has consistently shown that he is capable of scoring goals regardless of the division in which he plays.
Last season with Galatasaray, the 27-year-old managed 15 goals and five assists in the Turkish league from 22 appearances.
In the UEFA Champions League, he was also impressive, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in 10 appearances.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Süper Lig | 22 | 15 | 5 | 1,713 |
| UEFA Champions League | 10 | 7 | 3 | 841 |
| Turkiye Kupası | 1 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Total | 33 | 22 | 8 | 2,566 |
Those are numbers that rank among the best in world football. In fact, across 298 career appearances, Osimhen has registered 173 goals and 44 assists. Such numbers will only improve Spurs’ attacking output.