Spurs targeting new defender after Postecoglou’s admission
The north Londoners also completed a deal for Romania international Radu Dragusin for around £25 million in January, but there is a real belief that Ange Postecoglou remains on the hunt for new centre-backs.
Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero were indomitable at times over 2023/2024, forming a crucial partnership at the heart of Postecoglou’s backline, and the former’s searing pace is a crucial component of the Australian’s high line.
However, when either of the defenders are absent or injured, Spurs can seriously struggle. Dragusin’s arrival worked wonders to provide Postecoglou with an alternative option, with the 22-year-old’s presence even allowing van de Ven to cover for Destiny Udogie at left-back towards the end of last season.
| Tottenham’s best-performing defenders in the league last season | Average match rating (via WhoScored) |
|---|---|
| Pedro Porro | 7.04 |
| Cristian Romero | 7.03 |
| Micky van de Ven | 6.79 |
| Destiny Udogie | 6.71 |
| Ben Davies | 6.62 |
Despite the signing of Dragusin, though, it is believed Tottenham are still looking at bringing in another centre-half this summer. The Lilywhites head coach, speaking back in March, even admitted that it is one of their transfer aims.
“If you’re saying, ‘Is it an area we can strengthen?’, yes it’s an area we will probably look at”, said Postecoglou on signing another centre-back.
“With all these things, it’s about trying to strengthen the group as much as anything else. If you think about when I first arrived, we had maybe six or seven centre-backs at the club. So it’s not just numbers. It’s more about the ability of those players to play the football we want and to fit in to what we’re trying to build here.
“I think it is an area of the park we will look to strengthen, but I think we’ll look to strengthen all areas of the park come the end of the season. That is planning that’s already underway, and other people are in charge of it at the moment.”
Tottenham have displayed a keen interest in Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori as one potential target, with DAZN (via Il Bianconero) sharing an update on their pursuit of the Euro 2024 ace.
Tottenham open talks for Calafiori and could hijack Juventus
The broadcaster claims Tottenham have spoken with Calafiori’s reps and contact has been made with Bologna, as they look to beat Juventus in the race for his signature.
The Italy international, who was praised for his performance against Albania in their opening group game of the tournament, is rumoured to command a price tag as high as £42 million following his excellent Serie A campaign.
