Tottenham agree deal to sign playmaker – report
By Harry Sykes
Playmaker Dilan Markanday has completed a move to the Tottenham academy, according to his school.
Public school Haberdashers’ Aske’s in Hertforshire claim on their official website that “incredibly determined” Markanday, who is a Year 11 pupil, has signed two-year scholarship terms with the London giants.
The teenagers will be 16 when he links up formally with Tottenham on 1 July of this year, with his compatriots at the club’s Enfield training headquarters to include midfielder Maximus Tainio, the son of Spurs midfielder Teemu Tainio.
Haberdashers’ report that Markanday will attempt to carve out a career in professional football while studying for his A-levels in 2017-18 and 2018-19.
The school hail the qualities of the youngster and single out his single-mindedness and resilience as key to his success.
“This is everything he has been fighting for since he could first kick a ball,” the report states. “Dilan has managed to balance his education and football remarkably well with the huge support of the school.
“His life at Habs has taught him so much and this will without doubt be the foundation of his life and career ahead.
“What he has learnt is resolve, commitment, respect and an incredible determination to achieve his maximum potential. Whilst Dilan sets off on this new path he will ensure he keeps strong links with the school.”
Football Insider verdict:
This could prove a very good bit of business for Tottenham in the future. The academy, led by by the esteemed John McDermott, has a very good reputation and has forged strong links with manager Mauricio Pochettino, who also has a good track record of bringing through young talent. This could prove to be another midfield gem identified by the club, who also plucked current star Dele Alli from League One outfit MK Dons at a young age. Markanday will need time to develop and learn his trade, but he has been given a fantastic opportunity at a club who are on the rise.
In other Tottenham transfer news, a forward has signed after Spurs agreed terms on an out-of-window deal.
We’ve launched a << BREAKING NEWS FEED>> exclusively for your club. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all Tottenham breaking news.