The report further suggests that Galatasaray, Yilmaz’s current club, are willing to entertain offers in the region of €30 million (approximately £25 million) for the player. This figure represents a significant investment, but one that Tottenham may be willing to make given the player’s potential and the club’s desire to strengthen its attacking options.
Yilmaz’s impressive performances for Galatasaray have not gone unnoticed, with the player drawing favorable comparisons to former Tottenham legend, Gareth Bale. In a statement to the GS Gazette, as quoted by the Daily Express, Kayserispor manager Ilker Puren lauded Yilmaz’s physical attributes, stating that the young winger shares similarities with Bale in terms of his “strength and speed with the ball at their feet.”
Puren went on to highlight Yilmaz’s ability to “sprint three or four meters after eliminating the opponent with the ball,” a trait that was synonymous with Bale’s game during his tenure at Tottenham. The lofty comparison to the Welsh superstar is a testament to Yilmaz’s burgeoning reputation and the potential that he is believed to possess.
The statistical data from Yilmaz’s performances in the 2023/24 Turkish Super Lig campaign further supports the notion that he is a player capable of making a significant impact. In 28 starts, the 24-year-old recorded an impressive tally of 6 goals and 10 “big chances” created for his teammates. This season, Yilmaz has continued his impressive form, scoring 4 goals and creating 3 “big chances” in just 6 appearances.
These statistics, combined with the favorable comparisons to Bale, have undoubtedly piqued the interest of Tottenham’s recruitment team, who will be eager to assess whether Yilmaz’s skill set and potential align with the club’s long-term vision under Postecoglou’s leadership.
It is worth noting that Tottenham’s pursuit of Yilmaz comes at a time when the club is also grappling with other transfer-related concerns. The recent injury issues experienced by Richarlison, coupled with the setback suffered by new signing Wilson Odobert, have highlighted the need for Postecoglou to bolster his attacking options ahead of the second half of the season.
The club’s captain, Son Heung-min, has also found himself the subject of criticism from former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara, who has publicly questioned whether the South Korean forward is past his prime and suggested that “proper Spurs fans” would prefer to see him depart the club. Despite Son’s recent contributions, including two assists in a victory over Brentford, O’Hara’s comments have sparked a lively debate among the Tottenham faithful.
In addition to the pursuit of Yilmaz, Tottenham has also been linked with a potential move for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres. According to journalist Rudy Galetti, the North London club considers Gyökeres a priority target to strengthen its attacking line and has maintained an ongoing dialogue with the player’s representatives, viewing him as a significant potential addition for the upcoming campaign.
The emphasis on reinforcing the attacking department at Tottenham is understandable given the club’s reliance on wide players to create and score goals within Postecoglou’s offensive tactical setup. The 2023/24 season saw varying levels of productivity from Tottenham’s wide attackers, with Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski, and Timo Werner all facing periods of inconsistency.
However, recent performances have shown signs of improvement, with Johnson finding the back of the net in consecutive matches and Kulusevski adapting well to a deeper midfield role. The arrival of Dominic Solanke has also allowed Son to return to his preferred position on the left wing, resulting in a productive start to the new campaign with two goals and two assists in the first five fixtures.
As Tottenham Hotspur continues to evolve under Ange Postecoglou’s management, the club’s transfer strategy appears firmly focused on identifying and nurturing young talent with high potential. The interest in Baris Yilmaz exemplifies this approach, as the club seeks to build a foundation for sustained success in the competitive landscape of English and European football.
