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Who’s Marcos Leonardo? Roberto De Zerbi’s high Tottenham goal is £55m Saudi Professional League star

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Tottenham Hotspur have surged into the race to signal a “particular” striker, who has emerged as their high goal within the wake of appointing Roberto De Zerbi.

De Zerbi joins Spurs on five-year deal

De Zerbi has formally put pen to paper on a five-year deal on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the brand new supervisor has now spoken for the primary time because the appointment was confirmed, saying: “I’m delighted to be becoming a member of this implausible soccer membership, which is without doubt one of the largest and most prestigious on the earth.

“In all my discussions with the Membership’s management, their ambition for the longer term has been clear – to construct a crew able to reaching nice achievements, and to do this enjoying a mode of soccer that excites and conjures up our supporters. I’m right here as a result of I imagine in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to provide the whole lot to ship it.”

The Italian’s primary precedence is to maintain Tottenham within the Premier League, and he could possibly be up in opposition to it, on condition that his aspect are on a winless run of 13 video games, stretching again to a 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace close to the top of 2025.

A visit to the Stadium of Gentle is up first for De Zerbi, which is more likely to be a troublesome activity, on condition that Sunderland have misplaced simply three house video games all season, a formidable report for a newly-promoted aspect.

Ought to the previous Brighton boss have the ability to hold the Lilywhites within the high flight, the subsequent job might be to strengthen the squad in the summertime, and bringing in a brand new striker is on the to-do record.

Spurs be a part of race for brand spanking new striker with Richarlison’s future unsure

Based on a report from Sports activities Increase, Tottenham have now recognized Al-Hilal striker Marcos Leonardo as their primary goal for the summer season switch window, in gentle of his spectacular performances in Saudi Arabia.

Liverpool are additionally very eager on signing the centre-forward, however a deal could possibly be very costly, with Al-Hilal anticipated to carry out for no less than £50m – £55m.

Curiosity within the Saudi Professional League star comes amid doubts about Richarlison’s future, with the Brazilian contemplating a return to his native nation this summer season.

Lauded as “particular” by scout Jacek Kulig, the Al-Hilal star has recurrently been on the scoresheet for Al-Hilal this season, netting 15 targets throughout all competitions.

Marcos Leonardo’s aim report

Appearances

Objectives

Saudi Professional League

19

10

AFC Champions League

6

3

King’s Cup

4

2

The Brazilian is averaging 0.77 targets per 90 within the Saudi Professional League, which is greater than teammate and former Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema (0.73), and at 22-years-old he could possibly be a stable possibility as a long-term substitute for Richarlison.

Nevertheless, Spurs could also be hoping the 54-time Brazil worldwide chooses to stay in north London past the top of the season, contemplating he has been one in every of few vivid sparks this season, netting 9 Premier League targets.

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