9 Names to remember when Tottenham go center back shopping

Four Higher Priced Options for Spurs

The reality is the prices of the players above are more in the ballpark of where Tottenham likely is shopping right now. Maybe the coronavirus will bring down prices for everyone but it seems unlikely when everyone needs to make money too. That said, there are four players who are young, experienced, and pricey. Two are likely out of reach for Spurs purse strings, but two might be just perfect for the club moving forward.

Alessandro Bastoni – 21 – Internazionale

While Milan Skriniar is the name many Tottenham fans have been talking about for about a year in terms of center-backs, it is his partner Alessandro Bastoni who folks should really be watching. Only 21 Bastoni is a legitimate star having already earned three caps for the Azzurri,  getting his first last November. Still growing into his frame, which is considerable at 1.9m, Bastoni can get pushed around a bit in the box. That said, he is as confident and reliable on the ball as any defender in world football. A classy touch and an excellent range of passing are part of the reason Bastoni is currently valued at nearly £44m on a contract set to expire in 2023.

Pau Torres – 24 – Villareal

Pau Torres may be the most polished player on this entire list. Still only 24, Torres has featured more than 60 times in La Liga as he is enjoying a huge breakout this season in Spain. Capped seven times by the Spanish national team, Torres is a known product. Torres is a lot like Aguerd in that he is much better on the ball overall than he is as a pure defender. While he does not excel in any one area of defense, Torres is a smart player who does not make many mistakes and can be trusted in the back. Currently valued at ~£40m Torres is likely a bit higher fair than Spurs are looking for.

Benoit Badiashile Mukinayi – 20 – Monaco

Benoit Badiashile Mukinayi may have just turned 20 this past week but he is one heck of a footballer. Having graduated from the Monaco academy a couple of seasons ago, he has already made more than 60 senior appearances for the French side. An enormous man who is already 1.94m and likely still growing, Mukinayi is the future of the French defense. Excellent in the air and good on the ball, Mukinayi defends with a natural sense beyond his years. Currently valued right around £20m but under contract until 2024. If Tottenham could get this man now, it would be a huge steal.

Sven Botman – 21 – Lille

A Dutchman plying his trade in France, Sven Botman is a product of the Ajax Academy. Botman was sold on to Lille last summer without ever establishing himself in the Netherlands but Ajax’s loss was Lille’s gain this season. Botman has started essentially from the beginning of the campaign and has been a rock in the Lille defense featuring 39 times in all competitions already this season. Capped at every level but the senior level for the Netherlands, Botman is likely benefitting from avoiding Frank de Boer’s coaching at this point. Lille only paid about £6.4m for Botman a year ago but he is currently valued at around £20m with a contract until 2025. Probably a harder buy, but Lille may want to cash in quickly.

Tottenham Need a Left-Sided Center Back

The bottom line is Tottenham needs a left-sided center back. While there are a few options that can likely slot right in and immediately improve the team, there are also a number of players that can both help the team today and tomorrow. Whether Tottenham signs a ready-made player or one a bit younger that needs some seasoning, there are a lot of options out there, Daniel Levy just needs to look.