Yerry Mina’s stock has risen following his fine performances for Colombia at the World Cup in Russia and Tottenham are one of the clubs interested in the defender’s services, according to The Sun.
The 23-year-old only signed for Barcelona in January but the club are limited to just three non-EU players in their squad, which has already led to Paulinho’s surprise return to China, and continued links to Chelsea’s Willian means Mina may have to be offloaded.
A loan deal may therefore be on the cards for Mina and Spurs should be eyeing a move as a replacement for Toby Alderweireld, whose future is still uncertain, and Mauricio Pochettino should be attracted to the player for these three reasons.
Partnership with Davinson Sanchez
After a poor opening to the World Cup with a defeat against Japan, Colombia turned a corner in the group stages in their second match when Yerry Mina was brought into the defence to partner Davinson Sanchez – helping the South American giants secure a 3-0 win over Poland, keeping the likes of Robert Lewandowski quiet.
From then on, Sanchez and Mina was the partnership of choice for Colombia manager Jose Pekerman and the Barcelona man proved to be an incredible threat in attack, scoring three goals in as many matches – including the last-gasp equaliser in the round-of-16 clash with England.
In the three games with Sanchez and Mina at the back, Colombia conceded just one goal – and that was a penalty netted by Harry Kane.
Pochettino can get the best out of Mina
Since arriving at Tottenham from Southampton in 2014, Mauricio Pochettino has crafted Spurs into a very dangerous squad and has brought the best out of the players at his disposal – moulding Kane, Eric Dier, Kieran Trippier and Dele Alli into crucial players for England.
Christian Eriksen has also established himself as a key-part of Spurs’ ranks, while Hugo Lloris is up their amongst the best in the Premier League. These players all impressed in different ways prior to Pochettino’s arrival but the Argentina has taken things up a notch.
Yerry Mina would benefit from the same sort of attention from Pochettino, who has earned a stellar reputation as a figure who can help players of any age fulfil their true potential.
Another developing star
Make no mistake about it, the next few years for Tottenham are crucial in the club’s development as they look to cement themselves as top-four regulars. Three consecutive appearances in the Champions League have put the Lilywhites on their way but the pressure is on ahead of the move to the new White Hart Lane.
Spurs do not have to look far to see the sort of issues that moving to a new stadium can produce, as arch-rivals Arsenal suffered plenty of problems following their switch to the Emirates Stadium, but those concerns can be avoided with the signing of young talents.
Tottenham’s squad is breaming with exciting young player and the reality is Spurs may not be able to turn away significant bids if they emerge on the market. However, they can secure the maximum price for their players due to the inflated transfer market and the ages of their prized assets – and Mina fits that bill if a permanent move was to arise further down the line.