Tottenham could be set to make further moves before the transfer window closes. The Times reports that Nuno Espirito Santo wants to sign Adama Traore from former club Wolves. At the weekend, Spurs saw the threat that the attacker can cause and his display would have increased their interest in the transfer. The deal could be a loan, with a view to a permanent. One offer has already been rejected as the Midlands club want an obligation to buy rather than an option.
It is a crucial transfer window for Traore. He is entering the final two years of his contract, therefore next summer he could be available for a cut price fee. It would make more business sense for Wolves to agree a deal this summer at a higher price, as there are doubts about his willingness to extend his contract. At the age of 25, the attacker will believe he is ready to play for a bigger club. He has tasted international football with Spain and European football with Wolves. A move to Tottenham would be seen as a logical next step.
Although Traore has failed to get a goal or assist, he has been the standout performer from the first two matches for Wolves. Bruno Lage has given him more license to get forward into central areas. The change of role can be seen in the number of shots he is taking. He has had ten shots across the first two matches. No player has had more attempts on goal. Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Michail Antonio have also had ten attempts on goal. This shows how impressive Traore’s numbers are.
The big doubt with Traore has always been his composure in the final third. His delivery and finishing have both been called into question. Many believe his lack of technical ability is a reason for the low numbers of goal contributions. Last season, he only managed two goals and two assists in 37 Premier League matches.
His lack of goals and assists has limited the interest in him. However, Nuno has worked closely with Traore and understands the threat that he adds to a team. Despite his lack of end product, he causes chaos and that can create space for team-mates to exploit. If his team-mates are Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, the reasons for bringing him to North London are obvious.
During his first few weeks in charge at Tottenham, Nuno has used a fluid front three of Son, Lucas Moura and Steven Bergwijn. It is easy to see where Traore fits into the system and it can be argued he is an even better dribbler than the three mentioned above. Last season, he averaged 4.1 dribbles per game.
So far this season, he has completed 20 dribbles in only two matches. Traore’s dynamism and ball carrying can be matched by very few in world football. He is world class in that attribute and at Tottenham, his lack of end product would matter less. If he is able to bring the ball into the final third and distribute to either Son or Kane in space, the appeal is clear.
There will be doubts about his capabilities of stepping up to a top six team. However, it would be a good fit for Tottenham’s current system. Nuno has worked with him before and he adds another quality wide option to the squad. The nature of Traore’s game means that it will be an exciting signing for supporters to get behind.
