Tottenham Hotspur will be in the market for at least one striker this summer and Royal Antwerp’s George Ilenikhena could emerge as a top target.
Richarlison was one of few bright spots in Sunday’s 4-2 defeat at Liverpool.
The Brazilian scored and set up a goal for Son Heung-min, staking his claim for starts before the season ends.
Whether that will be enough to keep Richarlison at the club remains to be seen.
Reports last week suggested that Tottenham are willing to sell Richarlison this summer despite 11 goals this season.
Further speculation indicates that Richarlison is now attracting ‘serious interest’ from Saudi Arabia – and a deal would see Tottenham recoup the £60million paid for him in 2022.
That would be a tempting proposition for Tottenham and it is absolutely no surprise that we are now seeking increased rumours surrounding attacking additions.
Tottenham Hotspur want George Ilenikhena
Cercle Brugge forward Kevin Denkey was a rather surprising link as speculation from Belgium suggested that Tottenham have an interest in the Togoloese forward.
Tottenham may look elsewhere in the Belgian market though with Royal Antwerp wonderkid George Ilenikhena becoming a target.
Voetbalkrant in Belgium now report that Tottenham have joined the race for Ilenikhena.
The Nigerian is understood to be ‘high’ on Tottenham’s wish list for the summer whilst Inter Milan are also keen.
It’s noted that Royal Antwerp paid €6million (£5.2million) for Ilenikhena last summer and now want €20million (£17million).
That would be a hefty fee for 17-year-old Ilenikhena – especially as the report notes that he has recently been benched in favour of Vincent Janssen.
That may leave Tottenham fans a little worried as the less said about Janssen’s time at Spurs, the better.
Ilenikhena is only 17 though and whilst ups and downs are expecting for a player at that stage in his development, the highs have been very high.
Who is Spurs target Ilenikhena?
Ilenikhena hails from Nigeria but moved to France at the age of just three.
The striker subsequently came up the Antony Football Evolution ranks before heading to Amiens in 2021.
Ilenikhena showed promise with six goals for the Amiens B team before scoring twice in 17 first-team games.
Royal Antwerp pounced to sign Ilenikhena last summer and he has responded with 14 goals in all competitions this season.
Ilenikhena made headlines in December, scoring a last-gasp winner to help Royal Antwerp beat Barcelona.
Ilenikhena has even earned comparisons to Romelu Lukaku, who excelled in Belgium before going on to become a major star.
The teenager is still raw in terms of his development but the potential is huge – something which may appeal to Tottenham.
Spurs have shown a willingness to invest in wonderkids such as the inbound Lucas Bergvall and Ilenikhena ticks similar boxes.
Tottenham would be wise to land a more proven striker alongside Ilenikhena as the jump from Belgian football to the Premier League is huge.
Ilenikhena is now a name to keep close tabs on this summer with Tottenham potentially ready to move for an exciting young striker.