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Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images
Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images

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Tottenham reportedly want to sign 22-year-old ‘phenomenon’ who’s ‘the new Varane’

Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly still keeping tabs on RB Leipzig star Mohamed Simakan.

Last week, Fabrizio Romano said on his that Spurs wanted to sign the 22-year-old in summer.

However, a combination of an “important” price tag and RB Leipzig’s resolve meant Simakan stayed put.

Tottenham Mohamed Simakan
Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images

Romano said Tottenham had sent their scouts to watch the 6ft 2in ace “multiple times”.

And he concluded by saying Simakan is “one to watch for the future”, with English clubs and PSG still keen.

While the player himself has of being happy at Leipzig “at the moment”, who knows what could happen next year?

Tottenham could certainly do with bolstering their defensive ranks further in 2023.

Spurs target Simakan – factfile

Simakan is a centre-back by trade, but can also play at right-back and in defensive midfield.

His versatility would be superb for Antonio Conte as he looks to build a team capable of winning silverware.

Simakan has been at Leipzig since 2021, when he joined from Strasbourg for a reported .

He has made 59 appearances for the Bundesliga side, registering three goals and six assists.

In 2021, the lauded Simakan and spoke of comparisons to France legend Lilian Thuram.

‘A 6ft 2in-tall defender who combines pace, power and anticipation, Simakan is equally comfortable playing in central defence – either in a back three or four – or as a right-back,’ they wrote.

Tottenham Mohamed Simakan
Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images

‘After his debut against Maccabi, Bangoura likened the youngster to a certain Lilian Thuram.

‘And while he could perhaps be accused of familial bias, it is clear that in terms of physique and defensive attributes, Simakan has stylistic similarities to France’s record cap-holder.’

Meanwhile, Strasbourg coach Francois Keller likened the young “phenomenon” to Raphael Varane.

“He had fared averagely in some tests, but we blindly trusted his coaches,” he told the Ligue 1 website.

“We then quickly understood we were dealing with a phenomenon. He was wiping the floor with people.

“I put him in the third tier, and it wasn’t enough for him.

“Well, I like to make comparisons, but I told myself we had the new Varane. He was athletic and powerful, but exuded calm.”