Aleksandar Stankovic has received plenty of praise in his breakthrough season – but Tottenham’s interest in signing him has been questioned.
The 20-year-old, son of Inter Milan hero Dejan, has been rewarded for leaving his father’s old club to make a name for himself at Club Brugge.
9
The Serbian midfielder, who captained Inter’s youth team, left Serie A last summer without making his senior Nerazzurri debut.
However, Stankovic’s decision was vindicated as he has already played 26 games this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist.
The youngster played a full role in Brugge’s epic 3-3 draw with Barcelona and featured in Serbia’s 2-0 defeat to England last month.
Stankovic was encouraged to leave Inter by the success of his older brother Filip, who is currently impressing at Serie B club Venezia.
Dejan Stankovic’s sons leave Inter
“They suspect that he and his older brother Filip probably had similar advice from their father,” said European football expert Andy Brassell.
He added to The Pitch Prospect.com: “Either that or they are young men who know very well what they want, maybe a bit of both.”
“Both brothers came through the Inter academy and both decided to pursue careers elsewhere, although both had admirers at Inter and both were also valued by Inter.”
“Now it is clear to Aleksandar that this was a really good decision for him.
“You can see how many players not only moved through Club Brugge, but also that it’s a big deal to be able to play in the Champions League. But he made really good use of his opportunity.”
9
9
9
“I think if you look at their mix of young and more experienced players, they have the right older players who can really guide them.”
“Simon Mignolet is one of them, first of all. Hans Vanaken, who has been there for ages, can really help these young players too.”
“But Stankovic obviously has enormous quality. He’s tough. He doesn’t really give the ball away.”
Tottenham are interested in Aleksandar Stankovic
According to recent reports from Italy, both Spurs and Newcastle are interested in signing the midfielder, who has a buy-back clause with Inter.
Cristian Chivu’s team can trigger a €23 million buyback clause [£20.33million] in 2026 after selling it for less than £9 million last July.
And Brassell questioned why Tottenham would be a rival for Stankovic’s signing when they already have Joao Palhinha in the account.
9
9
Thomas Frank‘S Men still have the option to make the Portuguese’s temporary stay from Bayern Munich permanent for around £27m.
On Stankovic, Brassell told The Pitch Prospect: “If you look at the clubs that have been linked with him, I don’t know why Spurs would want another midfielder like that, if I’m completely honest.”
“He’s a better set-piece player than Palhinha or.” [Rodrigo] Bentancur. But I think when you look at them you think: do they need another player like that?
“Unless they probably don’t keep Palhinha. Maybe that’s part of the whole thing. But he’s also developing very, very quickly.”
9
Watch out for his Filip Stankovic
“It’s also worth keeping an eye on Filip, his older brother. He’s a goalkeeper and performed really well on loan at Venezia last season.”
“They almost managed to avoid relegation in Serie A. He had a big influence on that.”
“Funnily enough, he’s probably not a tall goalkeeper by modern standards. He’s 6ft 3in.”
“But he has this presence about him, almost Schmeichel-like in that sense. A really great goalkeeper who dominates the space.”
9
9
“And he gave them some surprising results that kept them in the hunt for a longer stay in the league than they probably could have managed with their team.”
“Now he has signed a permanent contract with Venezia this summer. They are pushing for promotion. They are in the top six.”
“So it could be a big season for both Stankovic brothers.”