CARDIFF, WALES - NOVEMBER 14: Wwales player David Brooks in action during the International Friendly match between Wales and Panama at Cardiff City Stadium on November 14, 2017 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Tottenham eyeing potential Christian Eriksen replacement
Tottenham and Liverpool both want to sign David Brooks
Mauricio Pochettino wants Christian Eriksen to stay at Tottenham for years to come, but that won’t stop Spurs from shopping for his long-term replacement this January. The North London giants are set to tangle with Liverpool for the signature of Sheffield United starlet David Brooks.
The young Welshman isn’t ready to dispatch Eriksen immediately, but there’s reason to believe he could develop into a world-class attacking midfielder. In particular, his strong appearances for Wales recently have upped his transfer value. It’s now being reported that Sheffield United will ask clubs to pay £20 million to secure his services.
That sum doesn’t appear to be enough to discourage Tottenham from making a January bid. It’s certainly more than he’s worth at the moment, but it could turn into a bargain. If Spurs were to try to purchase an accomplished replacement for Eriksen, it could easily cost upwards of £40 million.
Tottenham fans should exercise caution about Brooks’ ability to make an immediate impact in the Premier League. He’s a regular participant for Sheffield United, but 11 of his 15 Championship appearances this season have come off the substitute’s bench.
It’s very possible Pochettino could look to purchase Brooks in January and then immediately loan him back to The Blades for the rest of the 2017-18 campaign. Spurs used the same process with Dele Alli and MK Dons to great effect. Brooks isn’t nearly as accomplished as Dele was at the same point in his career, but both men showed real attacking flair outside the Premier League.
The real question is whether or not Pochettino will want to use a significant portion of his transfer budget to acquire a player who isn’t ready to help right away. The Argentine gaffer is certainly concerned with his long-term project at Spurs, but it’s clear he could use some immediate reinforcements.
Spending £20 million on Brooks might severely limit Pochettino’s ability to purchase players capable of helping support his Champions League ambitions this year.
David Brooks is definitely a name for Tottenham fans to monitor moving forward. It’s very possible he could join Spurs’ attacking corps as soon as January. He may not be the most exciting Welshman on the club’s radar, but he’s certainly capable of boosting the club in the future.
