Tottenham Hotspur should not repeat Moussa Dembele mistake with Josh Maja

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Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for Josh Maja. The Sunderland striker is out of contract at the end of the season, meaning Spurs could agree a pre-contract deal with the player and pay a compensation fee to the Black Cats to bring him in.

The Express report that Spurs see him as a potential long-term striker option. His form this season certainly suggests a deal makes sense. Maja has scored 15 goals in 29 games this season. 

It would undoubtedly be a solid investment. The youngster, who has been compared to Tottenham legend Jermain Defoe, is a natural finisher.

It does, however, sound very similar to a situation Tottenham found themselves in back in the winter of 2016.

Tottenham wanted Moussa Dembele that January. He has been in fine form for Fulham. Like Maja, the talented young striker was approaching the end of his contract and Tottenham were keen.

The Guardian reported that Spurs had a £6 million deal accepted for the player. However, Fulham wanted him back on loan until the end of the season. Spurs refused and eventually missed out on the Frenchman.

He went on to join Celtic that summer. After two excellent seasons in Glasgow, he joined Lyon for a fee in the region of £20 million in the summer.

Whether Spurs try to bring in Maja now or wait until the summer they should not repeat the errors they did with Dembele. Maja has the talent to become a top striker in the Premier League and at Spurs he would receive the best education toward achieving that goal.

Hopefully, Tottenham can secure this signing.