Exclusive: Tottenham ready to pay big to sign sensation compared to Thierry Henry
Tottenham are among a host of European clubs tracking Gambian sensation Gibril Sima, sources have told Football Insider.
The 17-year-old has been earning rave reviews playing for Dutch Lions who currently sit 11th in the 16-team Gambian top-flight.
The teenager has already been compared with legendary Arsenal attacker Thierry Henry because of his playing style.
But it is the Gunners’ North London rivals Tottenham who are currently understood to be taking an interest in Sima.
Tottenham in race for Gibril Sima
Sources have indicated that Spurs, along with Italian league leaders Inter Milan and German side Borussia Dortmund, are all keen on the teenager.
The trio are all thought to be willing to pay big money to secure his services, with Sima set to turn 18 in June.
His current club are aware of those links, and resigned to the fact that they will not be able to keep hold of him for long amid that interest.
Indeed, Sima is expected to follow the likes of Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Stade Reims’ Adama Bojang in becoming the next sensation to emerge from the Gambian.
Ange Postecoglou under growing pressure
If Sima does make the move to North London in the summer, he could join a Spurs side in a rather different situation to their current one.
Manager Ange Postecoglou is in a fight to avoid the sack at Tottenham following a dismal season that has left the club languishing in 15th place in the Premier League.
| Tottenham last five games | Results |
| Fulham (A) | Lost 2-0 |
| Chelsea (A) | Lost 1-0 |
| Southampton (H) | Won 3-1 |
| Frankfurt (H) | Drew 1-1 |
| Wolves (A) | Lost 4-2 |
It therefore feels like that there will be significant change at the club over the course of the summer, including to the playing squad.
It is understood that Crystal Palace star Ebere Eze is among the potential targets for Tottenham before the transfer market opens again at the end of the season.
While such stars would obviously be signed with a view to going straight into the first-team, Sima would likely take a different route if he joined Spurs.
After Tottenham completed a deal for Yang Min-hyuk last summer, the Korean ace eventually completed his move to the club in January.
Having arrived in England, he was immediately sent out on loan to QPR to adapt to his new surroundings, and has quickly impressed with the Championship club.