Why Nicolo Fagioli will solve Tottenham’s midfield issues | OneFootball

As reported by Corriere dello Sport, Tottenham Hotspur have identified Nicolò Fagioli as a possible target for the summer.

The 25-year-old has just completed his first full season at Fiorentina after his €13.5m switch from Juventus. Having secured top-flight status after flirting with relegation for most of the season, La Viola consider Fagioli a crucial part of their plans, though they will struggle to reject big-money offers.

The Italy international has three more years remaining on his Fiorentina contract, which fetches him €1.8 million annually after tax. Juventus also stand to earn 10% of the fee Fiorentina would get if they move Fagioli on.

Fagioli fits the profile Spurs need

If Spurs are to land a player of Fagioli’s pedigree, they’re going to have to ensure Premier League survival, which as things stand is not a bygone conclusion.

Regardless of whether they stay up or not, the Lilywhites will go into the summer needing to make wholesale changes and practically start anew to plan their way back into the top half of the English top flight. 

On the pitch, Fagioli does the profile Spurs need. Of many things that have hurt them this season, their midfield’s all-round ineptitude has been one of them. From keeping possession, dictating the tempo, being the cohesive unit to support both attack and defence, to hamper the opposition’s chances of building up play — Spurs’ players in the middle have thoroughly disappointed across all departments.

Of course, their injury issues have not helped. But both injuries and the lack of reliable deep-lying midfield operator are matters they have been dealing with for a few years now.

Having a reliable midfield general is a major cornerstone of any successful team in any context, so Spurs do need a solution for that position, and Fagioli would be a good fit. However, their survival in the Premier League will singlehandedly dictate their ability to go after him and players of his ilk. 

Anshuman Joshi | GIFN