Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou could take his team to the next level with a new midfield signing compared to Declan Rice
(Image credit: Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur are looking to bring in another defensive-minded midfielder in a move that could completely elevate Ange Postecoglou's squad.
The club somewhat unexpectedly sit top of the Premier League, with the incoming Australian proving to be a breath of fresh air in north London. Postecoglou's men are so far unbeaten and have a settled lineup and style of play that is reaping rewards.
But though Yves Bissouma is being used as the primary defensive midfielder in a No.6 position, Tottenham would reportedly like to add depth to this area and are chasing another signing there.
Yves Bissouma has been crucial to Tottenham Hotspur this season (Image credit: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Turkish outlet A Sporhave reported that the Lilywhites are chasing Ismael Yuksek, having sent scouts to the Super Lig to watch the 24-year-old.
A defensive-minded midfielder for Fenerbahce, Yuksek has a similar style of play to Arsenal star Declan Rice, using his power, physicality and engine to win the ball in the centre of the park and drive forward.
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The transfer could be a big one for Spurs for a couple of reasons. With Bissouma recently suspended, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was used in his absence – and though Hojbjerg is more than serviceable as a No.6, he isn't thought to fit with Postecoglou's preferred style in terms of physicality.
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Not only would Yuksek fit the bill a little closer, signing him for what could be a bargain from the Turkish league might enable Tottenham to sell Hojbjerg for a big fee – giving them more money to spend in other areas of the side.
Ismail Yuksek is on Tottenham's radar (Image credit: ANP via Getty Images)
Postecoglou may opt to use Yuksek in a No.8 position, too, to shore up his midfield against transitions with more power, giving him the additional depth he needs to fully tweak his system.
The Turkish international is valued at €5 million by Transfermarkt.
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Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
