Tottenham Hotspur are keeping tabs on Barcelona flanker Hafinha.
“Tottenham are expected to make a concrete interest in Hafinha in the upcoming January transfer window,” according to English media outlet Football Transfer. Tottenham, who are looking to add a striker in the winter, have reportedly withdrawn their bid for Ivan Toney (Brentford) and switched to Hafinha.
Spurs are still light in terms of strikers, although Son Heung-min has moved to a frontline striker role and is responsible for the goals. The highly-anticipated Heucharlison has been sidelined by a recent injury, along with a drop in goalscoring form. Manor Solomon, who was considered a steal of a signing, is also on the long-term injured list.
As Son moved to the center of the field, the destructive power of the flanks diminished. Spurs opted to add more firepower. Son’s position in the center of the field was a question mark. Toni and Hapinha are different players. Toni is a classic striker, while Hafinha is more of a one-on-one player on the flanks.
The idea is to keep Son Heung-min up top. Of course, it’s also because Toni’s value continues to rise, making him harder to sign. That’s why Barcelona are weighing the option of bringing in Hafinha, whose playing time at the club is dwindling, to keep Son in the center of the park.
Hafinha joined Barcelona from Leeds United last summer. The £55 million ($88.8 billion) transfer fee was an indication of what Barcelona expected from him. He settled in nicely last season, scoring 10 goals and providing 12 assists in 50 appearances. His presence at the end of the season, compared to the beginning of his career, has raised expectations for this season.
However, he’s jinxed his sophomore year and has only made 11 appearances. Of those, only three have been starts in the Spanish Primera Liga. Barcelona trusts youth players Ramin Yamal and Fermin Lopez more than Hapinha.
Once a prolific producer of attacking points, Hafinha’s contributions have dwindled to just two goals and two assists this season as his playing time has dwindled. Reduced to a late substitute, Barcelona is considering releasing him. With Barcelona’s finances still not in great shape, it is argued that Hapinha could be sold to free up transfer funds and reduce wages.
Tottenham are looking to strengthen their flanks with Hapinha, who is acclimatized to the English Premier League through Leeds. He has the ability to break down defenses with the ball in his hands where Son Heung-min is missing. He’s also a prolific assister, making him the perfect complement to Son’s goal-scoring prowess.
According to Football Transfer, “Tottenham are not satisfied with the likes of Hicharlison, Brennan Johnson, and Bryan Hill. They are looking for an alternative who can be a definitive solution up front. Perhaps they will look to bring Hapinha back to the Premier League after an 18-month absence.”