Tottenham emerge as frontrunners for Al-Hilal striker Marcos Leonardo
Tottenham Hotspur are leading the race to sign Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal this summer, according to reports from Brazil. The 22-year-old is said to be a primary target for new Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi as the club plans for a crucial transfer window, provided they secure their Premier League status in the final seven games of the season.
According to Brazilian outlet RTI Esporte, Tottenham have moved ahead of domestic clubs Flamengo and Sao Paulo in the pursuit of Leonardo. The report states that Al-Hilal, who signed the forward from Benfica for €40 million in September 2024, are open to a sale and have set an asking price of approximately £55 million. Such a fee is considered prohibitive for the interested Brazilian sides but is within reach for the Premier League club.
The potential move aligns with a clear need for attacking reinforcement at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The club's current first-choice striker, Dominic Solanke, missed a significant portion of the campaign following ankle surgery, while loanee Randal Kolo Muani is expected to return to Paris Saint-Germain. This has left a reliance on Richarlison, highlighting the requirement for a proven goalscorer to bolster De Zerbi's options.
Marcos Leonardo has built a reputation as a prolific finisher since his breakthrough at Santos in his homeland. Throughout his senior career, spanning 264 games for Santos, Benfica, and Al-Hilal, he has scored 106 goals. His form in Saudi Arabia has remained strong, with 15 goals in 29 appearances this season, demonstrating the consistent threat he would bring to North London.
The pursuit forms part of a broader striker shortlist being considered by De Zerbi and the Tottenham hierarchy. The Italian manager is also reportedly considering a move for former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with whom he worked at Marseille, though the veteran's age and past affiliations make that a complicated prospect. The club's focus appears to be on securing a long-term solution in the number nine role, with Leonardo fitting that profile.
De Zerbi's immediate task is to guide Tottenham, currently 17th, away from the relegation zone after being appointed on a five-year contract. The club's willingness to engage in advanced planning for the summer market suggests confidence in achieving that goal. Securing a striker of Leonardo's calibre would represent a significant statement of intent as they look to rebuild under the new manager.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining both Tottenham's league fate and their ability to finance such a move. Should they retain their top-flight status, the funds required for a £55 million acquisition are expected to be available, setting the stage for a major summer overhaul spearheaded by the Brazilian forward.
