Inter’s Diego Godin should not be in Tottenham’s plans

Reports are circling about Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in securing Inter Milan veteran Diego Godin on a free transfer this summer.

Godin was a permanent fixture in Atletico’s defence for almost a decade before turning to Inter last year. The stalwart central defender had all the trimmings of a standout marshal. His towering frame and no-nonsense style was an integral element of Atletico’s success under Diego Simeone.

But Godin has seen the best of his time in the limelight. Even on a free transfer Tottenham shouldn’t sign Godin. The 34-year-old might offer two more seasons at a good level, but that isn’t the type of return Tottenham should be seeking.

They need a leader for the present, and most importantly, the future. Godin might plaster over some of the Spurs’ wounds in the immediacy, but he won’t offer the long-term solution the club so desperately requires. It doesn’t make sense for him to come in for a year or two, disturb the chemistry forming in Spurs’ rearguard, before ultimately retiring. Don’t get me wrong, the idea of a free transfer sounds appealing.

And who wouldn’t want a player with Godin’s experience?

He’s competed at the top level for about 15 years, played in a Champions League Final and led his nation’s back line for more than 15 years. But that’s precisely the point. His legs are tired, weathered from almost two decades of rigorous action. Procuring him would be a mistake that would hamper Tottenham in the long run, even if it stabilizes Spurs defence in the short-term.

There are a number of central defensive options Jose Mourinho should pursue, but cajoling the Uruguayan elder statesman from Inter is not one of them.