As numerous reports have suggested recently, most of Tottenham’s transfer focus this summer will
be around attacking reinforcements. While this makes a lot of sense given the occasionally blunt
attack Spurs’ faithful witnessed on occasions, the defence also needs addressing.
Spurs’ backline was notably exposed at times during Ange Postecoglou’s first season in charge.
While we could see the likes of Radu Drăgușin force his way in to become more of a regular starter
next campaign, there are still some areas in Spurs’ rearguard that deserve some attention.
Adding more steel to an occasionally fragile defence will certainly enhance the team’s chances for next
season, with Spurs fans hoping to select key Tottenham assets in their fantasy football teams,
back the team with numerous bets throughout the season once they’ve assessed the latest
Premier League odds, and ultimately see their side challenge at the top of the league.
Of course, given the competitive nature of arguably the best domestic competition around, Spurs’
hierarchy, coupled with Postecoglou’s input, needs to be shrewd this summer and add a sprinkling
of additional quality that will make a difference.
After all, a reliable defence can enable a team to have a solid foundation to build from and evolve in attack, and as Ange Postecoglou has already demonstrated, the Australian tactician knows how to send out an open and expansive team with goals to score.
So, with a range of defenders potentially standing out for Tottenham this summer, let’s take a look
at a few defensive signings Spurs should consider making in the coming weeks.
Marc Guehi will surely depart Crystal Palace soon Tottenham have always had a solid record at obtaining the services of players other big clubs failed to get the best out of.
Marc Guehi will surely depart Crystal Palace soon
Marc Guehi is one of them, with the former Chelsea academy player following a long list of Blues youngsters who failed to make it at Stamford Bridge before being signed by another club after impressing on loan elsewhere. Crystal Palace are the club in question in Guehi’s case, with the Eagles’ reliable centre-back even managing to earn himself a place in England’s plans moving forward.
Although Palace will be reluctant to lose one of their best players, should Tottenham come calling, then Marc Guehi will surely be tempted to make the move. One thing’s for sure, it’s looking more than likely that the 23-year-old will depart Oliver Glasner’s side soon.
Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice would be a superb addition
A player numerous clubs are looking at, Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo could be a fantastic acquisition
for the club to make. Tottenham have reportedly opened talks for the Ligue 1 centre-back, but
getting a deal over the line doesn’t appear to be too straightforward given the expensive fee he’s
likely to cost and the behemoths that are reportedly assessing him.
Should Tottenham’s hierarchy be looking at having a summer full of statement signings, though, then Todibo would definitely be one of them. Big, strong, aggressive, and positionally flexible, snapping up Jean-Clair Todibo would be fantastic business for the club
Tottenham are understandably interested in Nottingham Forest’s key defender
If there’s a defender outside of the top English clubs that will come under a lot of interest this
summer, then it’s Nottingham Forest’s Murillo. With Spurs surely looking to add defensive
reinforcements at some point this summer, a rock with Premier League experience fits the bill. This
is a move that could take some time to materialise, though, with the club’s hierarchy reportedly
keeping an eye on Forest’s profit and sustainability (PSR) situation as they mull over a move for
the 21-year-old talent. Signed from Corinthians last summer for £15million, the Brazilian was ever-
present for Forest last season and has a high ceiling.
Jarrad Branthwaite would be a statement signing
Although landing a young talent like Jarrad Branthwaite is probably unlikely, Tottenham does have
form for buying emerging talents over the years. The Everton youngster is certainly one to watch,
although his progress has also piqued the interest of other sides such as Manchester United.
Spurs probably aren’t at the front of the queue when it comes to signing the 21-year-old defender,
but should teams like the Red Devils opt to look elsewhere, then Tottenham should be ready to
pounce.
Make no mistake about it: Jarrad Branthwaite has a big future in the game, and there’s
no reason why joining a team like Spurs wouldn’t allow him to flourish further.
Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah brings versatility
A player Chelsea are reportedly keen to offload, Trevoh Chalobah could certainly do a job for Ange
Postecoglou next season. A versatile defender who has received plenty of plaudits in recent times,
Chalobah fell out of favour at Chelsea following numerous managerial changes and a generally
turbulent time at the club.
Now, though, the 24-year-old will be desperate to find a new home and
play more regularly. As we’ve seen plenty of times in a Chelsea shirt, Chalobah brings versatility;
he’s quick and strong in the challenge, and he seems to have the type of attitude that Postecoglou
looks for in a player.