Mikkel Damsgaard has impressed at Sampdoria in the Serie A this season (Getty Images)
According to the Twitter claims from reputed journalist Nicolo Schira, Tottenham have been credited with an interest in Sampdoria winger Mikkel Damsgaard. The reputed insider has also mentioned German Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen among the potential suitors for the rising Danish talent.
The 20-year-old started his youth career at hometown club Jyllinge before completing his development at Nordsjaelland. He made his senior breakthrough during the 2017-18 season aged just 17 and established himself as a regular fixture in the club’s attack in the following campaign.
Damsgaard managed just a solitary goal in 32 league appearances for Nordsjaelland in 2018-19 but really came to the fore last term. The left-winger went on to bag an impressive tally of 10 goals and 6 assists in 36 appearances in the Danish Superligaen, guiding his club to a 6th-place finish in the top-flight.
The youngster’s growing reputation in his homeland was enough to prompt Sampdoria to offer him a route to Italy this past summer. Damsgaard has enjoyed a promising start to life in the Serie A, featuring in all but one of Sampdoria’s 16 league fixtures so far. Despite not being a regular starter, the Danish starlet has still managed to contribute with 2 goals and 3 assists in 15 appearances so far this season.
Tottenham completing a deal for Mikkel Damsgaard in January would represent a real coup with an eye on the future. The 20-year-old has progressed by leaps and bounds over the past couple of seasons, making significant improvements to his game. His impressive start to life in Italy was even rewarded with a senior international debut for Denmark back in November.
Spurs haven’t really been short of firepower in the Premier League this season, with 29 goals scored in 16 games so far. However, the influential strike pairing of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son has contributed to 22 of those goals. That clearly shows Jose Mourinho’s side have lacked significant goal contributions from their other attackers.
Despite being well-stocked on the flanks, Tottenham have had their fair share of troubles there. While Son has been simply outstanding, the likes of Erik Lamela, Steven Bergwijn and Lucas Moura have offered very little in the Premier League. Gareth Bale’s fairytale return to North London hasn’t worked out either, with the Welshman starting only once in the PL so far.
Having said that, the acquisition of a highly-rated youngster like Mikkel Damsgaard would definitely represent a step in the right direction. The Dane has been making a name for himself at Sampdoria in the Serie A after impressing for Nordsjaelland in his homeland. He’s hardly a finished article but has already showcased the potential to push on for a bright future in the game.
With Bale due to return to Real Madrid next summer, Tottenham should line up some alternatives to ensure adequate depth and cover on the flanks. Mikkel Damsgaard ticks plenty of boxes in North London as an exciting young winger with plenty of room for development. Spurs should, therefore, follow up their interest in the Danish international with an official approach before the deadline.