Steven Bergwijn would bring “speed, technique and strength” to Spurs, according to Rafael van der Vaart
Tottenham Hotspur icon Rafael van der Vaart has backed his compatriot Steven Bergwijn to shine in the Premier League as his former club close in on a transfer.
The north London club have reached an agreement in principle to bring the talented winger from PSV to the English top-flight for £25.6m plus add-ons, according to reports.
Bergwijn to Spurs? Five things to know…
- Spurs have been in the market for reinforcements up front following a hamstring injury picked up by Harry Kane.
- The England international ruptured a tendon in his left hamstring on New Year’s Day and is not expected back until April.
- Spurs have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Bergwijn from PSV for £25.6m plus add-ons.
- The 22-year-old has been directly involved in 15 goals across 16 Eredivisie matches this season.
- Only Hakim Ziyech (40) has provided more assists in the Eredivisie since the start of the 2017/18 season than Bergwijn (29).
Should Spurs get this deal over the line and not encounter any issues between now and deadline day on Friday, then Bergwijn will become the second permanent signing of the Jose Mourinho era.
The Portuguese coach has already signed Gedson Fernandes on loan from Benfica, and recently took up the option of making Giovani Lo Celso’s temporary move from Real Betis a permanent one, following the departure of Christian Eriksen to Inter Milan.
With that, Bergwijn looks set to become the third signing of this winter window alone for Spurs and will offer Mourinho some much needed depth in the final third.
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The incisive forward can operate in numerous roles across the frontline and Van der Vaart believes Bergwijn will “be a great signing” for the club.
He tweeted: “Should it all really happen, I believe that Bergwijn will certainly be a great signing for Spurs.
“Obviously he will have to adjust to the PL pace and ambience but his speed, technique and strength will certainly add something to the Spurs game.
“Good luck to Stevie and my Spurs.”
The 22-year-old was recently omitted from PSV’s squad to face Twente on Sunday, prompting accusations from the Dutch media that he travelled to London without consent from the club, a claim that has been strenuously denied by manager Ernest Faber.
A PSV statement read: “Steven Bergwijn did not join his PSV team mates for training on Tuesday morning.
“Bergwijn has been given permission by PSV to travel to England to finalise a move.”
