Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly entered the race to sign Sampdoria’s Patrik Schick alongside Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.
According to a report by Transfer Market Web, the Czech striker has quite a number of clubs looking to sign him, and now Tottenham Hotspur have joined the mix.
There was a Spurs scout present during Sampdoria’s Serie-A match against Chievo Verona, where his side was held to a 1-1 draw. Schick came on within half an hour to replace injured teammate Fabio Quagliarella but could not lead his side to a win on the day.
He has become popular among Serie A clubs as reports did emerge of him being targeted by Inter Milan and Juventus. Schick also has a £21 m release clause with his current contract.
Among English Premier League clubs, it is understood that Arsenal and Chelsea have also approached to sign Schick as both Arsene Wenger and Antonio Conte are scanning the market to find a good striker.
Schick first came into the fray through the youth system at Sparta Prague, and he spent two years in their first team before moving to Sampdoria last year. So far, he has managed to score 14 goals in 36 games for the club.
The 21-year-old’s contract is expected to last till 2020, but Mauricio Pochettino is extremely interested in signing youngster as he looks to relieve Spurs’ star striker Harry Kane of some of his responsibilities.
Signing a quality striker will help them in player rotation and Schick will ideally replace Vincent Janssen, who has failed to live up to his potential after a £17 million move from AZ last summer. He scored only two goals in 24 appearances – one of them from the penalty spot.
Interestingly, Schick has only made 12 starts, meaning most of his goals came from playing a cameo role being a substitute. Probably, this is why Pochettino is so keen on the player – somebody who is comfortable with not starting, but still manages to contribute.
The young striker was relatively unheard of before the start of the season, but he has gradually become one of Europe’s most sought-after talents. He also fits the profile of the type of player the Spurs are after.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund have also been keeping an eye on the Czech Republican forward, and Pochettino will have to move fast as the race heats up to sign Schick.
