Tottenham miss out on Matthias Ginter

It was confirmed on Tuesday that once-Tottenham target Matthias Ginter will move instead to Borussia Monchengladbach.

This comes as something of a blow to Tottenham, who previous reports suggested were hoping to acquire the Borussia Dortmund centre-back at a cut rate price.

Per the Evening Standard’s coverage, Ginter’s decision largely revolved around a desire to stay in the Bundesliga.

It is also worth noting that Ginter standards a very good chance of coming into Gladbach as an automatic starter. Spurs, with Toby Alderweireld, Eric Dier and Jan Vertonghen all with tight grips on starting positions, could not promise the same.

Still, Spurs need defensive cover. Kevin Wimmer’s future at the club is uncertain, and promising Academy graduate Cameron Carter-Vickers still might be a few years away. Finding another centre-back is a priority this summer.

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Spurs will be re-casting their net into an fairly empty pond however.

Already this summer rumored Tottenham targets Harry Maguire and Michael Keane have been snatched up by Leicester City and Everton, respectively.

What’s more, Spurs’ rivals are strengthening considerably in defense in hopes of emulating Mauricio Pochettino’s best-in-the-league backline. Already Manchester United have signed Victor Lindelöf from Benfica, and Chelsea are in the process of acquiring Antonio Rüdiger from Roma.

Alderweireld, et al are hardly diminished by these moves, but Spurs run the risk of injuries or a drop in form compromising the momentum earned over the last two years. Competent cover is required, and soon.

As the Evening Standard acknowledges, Pochettino’s focus might not turn to Ajax academy product Joel Veltman. The versatile 25-year-old — he can play centre-back as well as his favored right-back — enjoyed an impressive season with the Europa League finalists and might also be available for cheap. The Dutch international’s current contract expires in 2018.

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Tottenham face competition fro Veltman’s signature as well however, and given Daniel Levy’s customary slow start it is unclear if they will make their move in time.

Centre-back, of course, is one of a few positions that need improved cover. It could be that the club is waiting to see how the Kyle Walker saga unfolds before prioritizing one position over, say, another right-back.