Brighton took action as Spurs and Liverpool conspired to remove Yasin Ayari
It’s been a summer for Tottenham Hotspur so far. They fully supported Roberto De Zerbi, broke their transfer record twice, and welcomed up to six new players.
They also managed to get one off their Premier League rivals along the way and could do so again after joining the race to sign Liverpool side Yasin Ayari.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
It’s only natural that interest is starting to come to Ayari. The Brighton midfielder has only one year left on his contract and has recently enjoyed a high-profile World Cup. With the Seagulls fighting to keep their man, interest from Tottenham and Liverpool could increase. |
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Finance |
The midfield market in the Premier League is more expensive than ever, but Ayari’s contract situation could force Brighton to accept a lower price than the absurd transfer fees currently surrounding English football. |
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Understanding |
As if the 22-year-old wasn’t doing well in the Premier League last season, he has enjoyed a World Cup campaign in Sweden, and has been a prolific goalscorer. |
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Impact |
Ayari’s possible departure could have a negative impact on the Premier League. It would solve Liverpool’s rearguard problem and end their pursuit of other targets. Meanwhile, Spurs will be making yet another impressive statement. |
Ayari is still one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League and the amount of interest in his arrival should come as no surprise.
Brighton stabs to keep Ayari
This is not Brighton’s first rodeo in the transfer market. They have already lost Jan Paul van Hecke to Spurs this summer and that follows other names leaving for a big profit. This time, however, they are determined to hold on to their rising prodigy.
According to Caught Offside, Brighton are struggling to agree a new deal with Ayari amid concerns that Tottenham and Liverpool are planning ‘aggressive’ moves for the 22-year-old.
Ayari currently has one year left on his current deal, meaning the Sussex club have just two chances to cash in if they fail to agree a new deal.
Ayari could be Iraola’s new Alex Scott at Liverpool
Liverpool have a lot of work to do this summer. While their priority remains Mohamed Salah’s replacement, whether Yan Diomande, Bradley Barcola or another option arrives, they also have a midfield problem to address.
Andoni Iraola needs to make sure the Reds have been lacking in the middle of the park over the past 12 months and giving the Spaniard his new version of Alex Scott will be crucial to any success. This is where Ayari can come in.
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PL 25/26 P90 |
Ayari |
Scott |
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Minutes |
1,924 |
2,859 |
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Terms (value) |
3 |
3 |
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Opportunities are created |
0.7 |
0.85 |
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Recovery |
5.8 |
6.14 |
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Successful dribbles |
0.84 |
0.91 |
Both midfielders have an eye for goal and both, most importantly, have the ability to take the game forward into the final third through their range of passing and dribbling. If Iraola is to succeed, those qualities will be must-haves in the middle of the park.
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A quick boost for the Reds…
