Tottenham boss, Andre Villas-Boas, may just have secured Champions League football at White Hart Lane next season, after the club moved early to sign talented midfielder, Lewis Holtby, before transfer deadline day, rather than wait until the summer.
According to the sports betting news, Spurs had already agreed to sign Holtby in July when his contract with Schalke runs out, beating off interest from Arsenal and Liverpool for the Germany U21 international.
But now he will be active for Spurs, who currently sit in prime position to take third place in the Premier League; they could certainly benefit from added attacking strength as the season reaches its business end.
The cost of this transaction is reported to be around £1.5m, a snip for Spurs if Holtby proves the difference between Champions League qualification and fifth place. Rather than wait for Holtby in the summer, it makes perfect sense to bring him in now and benefit from the 22-year-old’s quality to secure a spot above both Chelsea and Arsenal.
As punters who bet on football know very well, Spurs have been unreliable at finishing off campaigns in recent years and would have greatly benefited from added quality in their midfield during both 2010/11 and 2011/12 campaigns.
Alongside Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembele, Holtby will slip seamlessly into Tottenham’s squad this spring and add to their attacking prowess that already boasts a formidable unit.
With 75 appearances for Schalke, 11 goals and Champions League experience, this hot prospect should delight the White Hart Lane crowd this spring. He is confident on the ball, happy to get back and defend and determined to make his mark in the side – a quality showcased this season in the Bundesliga.
With Holtby in the squad, Spurs now have a host of players capable of feeding Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor. They are destined for the Champions League next season and are right to invest £1.5m in that security.
