Links to FC Porto’s Pepe began to emerge yesterday, according to the Portuguese sports daily A Bola. It sounds like a fatal disease, but whatever.
Not only has the Portuguese daily spread the rumors, but it has also claimed that Tottenham has already made an initial bid for the 26-year-old.
made a first bid of half that amount.
But does the rumor hold water? Yes, to some extent.
Pepe is a thrilling left winger, at least in terms of speed and athleticism. During the 2022-23 season, he had four goals and seven assists in 28 starts and 34 Primeira Liga matches.
🚨| #Tottenham are seriously interested in Porto winger Pepe, and have already made a proposal for the player. It was rejected by the club, however. @abolapt pic.twitter.com/3xYLnp4EvU
— The Spurs Express (@TheSpursExpress) June 18, 2023
While a solid offensive return, it’s easy to understand why he won’t cost the earth if Tottenham is truly interested.
Pepe appears to be a player Ange would like to mold.
Pepe, who was only 26 at the time, was fairly adept when opportunities presented themselves. Pepe’s 5.1 predicted goals indicate that he is very clinical when a good scoring opportunity presents itself.
He also led the league with 101 advanced carries, trailing only Galeno, a Brazilian left winger a year Pepe’s junior. They look to have a surplus of Brazilian left-wingers, so losing one should not be too difficult emotionally.
Ange will appreciate how he drives forward in possession and forces the defense to make difficult decisions. Pepe is extremely flexible, having played in a variety of positions throughout his 97-match stint at Porto, including right back.
Pepe earns almost €55,000 every week, which Daniel Levy can afford. He has a deal with the Portuguese club until June 2027.
So those components of the rumour make logical, even eliciting excitement.
However, this is the first time we’ve heard of these rumors.
Also, thus far, only A Bola (which sounds more ominous and transmissible every time I say it aloud) has propelled this rumour into the mainstream.
While there is a chance that the rumor becomes more definite and dependable, we’ll have to shove this rumour under the mattress, where space is becoming scarce, until a reputable English publication (or Fabrizio Romano) joins on the tale and the bandwagon.
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