Tottenham Hotspur could make a late move for Illya Zabarnyi, according to football.london reporter Alasdair Gold…
What’s the word?
The ever-reliable journalist revealed a fresh update on Spurs’ transfer plans ahead of the final few weeks of the window to supporters during a recent YouTube video.
He said:
“I think the key with Spurs, it’s about the opportunities.
“I’ve said before Ilya Zabarnyi, the young Ukrainian centre-back is a player that they really like, and he’s someone they’ll go back to if the window of opportunity is there for him.”
Should Spurs sign Illya Zabarnyi?
He’s the future
This would be certainly an interesting move from the north London outfit and one that could echo the signings of Destiny Udogie, Pape Matar Sarr and Bryan Gil in recent windows.
Zabarnyi at just 19 years of age probably isn’t ready for a berth in the big time just yet, though he has racked up 22 caps for Ukraine and 19 appearances in the Champions League already.
Gold also believes that Spurs will revisit the central defensive position if Japhet Tanganga follows Joe Rodon out of the door at Hotspur Way, so Zabarnyi could become a genuine possibility for the club.
Standing at 6 foot 2 in stature, the Ukraine gem has been compared to Kalidou Koulibaly by local scout Alex Velikikh, whilst he tries to emulate his hero, Liverpool colossus Virgil van Dijk.
It should, therefore, be no surprise to see the teenager described as ‘tall, strong in the air, physically imposing and good reader of the game’ by GOAL.
Registering over 60 appearances at a senior level by Zabarnyi’s age is no mean feat, whatever standard of the league he’s doing it in and as such, talent scout Jacek Kulig believes he would be an “amazing signing” for any strong team across Europe’s elite five divisions.
Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici must continue with his impressive moves in the market by sealing a transfer for the Kyiv sensation. It could help bolster the Lilywhites’ long-term future and a player with potential as big as this should be a part of it.
AND in other news, Spurs “exploring” swoop for £50m “frightening talent”, could be Conte’s next Fabregas…
