Transfer Talk: Spurs target Iling-Junior ready for Premier League move

Samuel Iling-Junior has quietly emerged as one of England's most promising young talents over the last year.

While Jude Bellingham's precocious brilliance gets the headlines, Iling-Junior has made encouraging progress in Italy with Juventus and for England's Under-21s.

That has resulted in speculation over a potential move to Tottenham in the January transfer window, with Spurs in need of reinforcements for their depleted squad.

Ahead of today's clash with Newcastle, we take a look at what the Bianconeri winger could bring to Ange Postecoglou's side.

Jet-setter

Iling-Junior enjoyed a breakthrough 2022-23 campaign at Juventus, making 12 Serie A appearances.

The Chelsea youth product showed glimpses of his ability, though he was unable to establish himself as a regular under Max Allegri.

That trend has continued this season — and with just over 18 months left on his contract, a January move could well be on the cards.

Tottenham currently need all the help they can get, as they look to build on their early progress under Postecoglou amid an injury crisis.

Iling-Junior would give Spurs another option in wide areas, with Bryan Gil and Brennan Johnson featuring on the left and right flanks in recent weeks.

The 20-year-old is able to play as both a winger and a wing-back, so that versatility will certainly appeal to Postecoglou.

He is undoubtedly combative enough to operate more defensively too — along with his impressive dribbling ability, Juve's No17 ranked fourth in Serie A for tackles per 90 minutes this term (3.98) prior to Matchday 15.

Perfect fit

Iling-Junior's dynamic style of play should suit this new-look Tottenham side.

He is agile and athletic, can cover plenty of ground and is adept at carrying the ball — a key attribute in Postecoglou's team.

The free-flowing, attack-minded nature of Spurs could mean it is the perfect place for a youngster looking to make their mark.

Postecoglou said: "I don't know any other way. I've tried to explain this to people that in terms of football philosophy, I've stayed really strict to one religion.

"I've gone into a library of football books and I got stuck to one section which was about attacking football."

That should be music to the ears of an attacker like Iling-Junior, who will want to be in an environment where he can impress as he continues to develop.

New challenge

A move to Spurs would not mean guaranteed starts for Iling-Junior, of course.

Even when hit by injury, Tottenham's squad is a strong one and Postecoglou has options at his disposal.

Iling-Junior would need to battle for a place — but opportunities are likely to be more frequent than at Juventus.

Returning to England and the Premier League after a valuable few years abroad should mean he is a more well-rounded player, ready to take on the challenge of playing in North London.

As Tottenham prepare to face Newcastle, they will be looking ahead to the January window and the potential addition of an exciting prospect.