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Tottenham centre-back transfer update: Comparing targets

By Gary Pearson

MONACO, MONACO - FEBRUARY 23: Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen during the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off leg two match between AS Monaco and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Stade Louis II on February 23, 2023 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
MONACO, MONACO - FEBRUARY 23: Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen during the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off leg two match between AS Monaco and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Stade Louis II on February 23, 2023 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images) /
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With the club officially announcing James Maddison’s arrival, Tottenham can move on to its next transfer priority, signing a first-choice centre-back to line up beside Cuti Romero.

Wednesday was a bonkers transfer day for Tottenham, who secured James Maddison’s signature for £40 million. It was the best-case scenario for a club that has experienced more than its fair share of recent tumult.

If the excitement and anticipation were audible, as I’m sure it is in some pubs worldwide, it would reach a near-unparalleled decibel level.

Next on Tottenham’s rebuild agenda, though at the moment it looks nothing like a rebuild and more like a team preparing to contend for a Champions League spot, is in the middle of defence.

While several potential targets are on the club’s radar, the shortlist is comprised of three individuals: Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba, Wolfsburg’s Micky van de Ven, and Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo.

Spurs are still deciding whether to purchase Clement Lenglet for an expected £8.6 million. But even if they make a deal with Barcelona, Lenglet will be used as a squad player, adding to Spurs’ central defensive depth.

Tottenham has also shown interest in Juventus’ Gleison Bremer. However, Juventus has slapped an asking price of up to £70 million on his head, leaving Tottenham no choice but to pivot to a more affordable, better dollar-for-value option.

Let’s start with the tale of the tape for those directly in Tottenham’s crosshairs:

Edmond Tapsoba

  • 90.7 percent passing accuracy
  • 67.1 percent forward passing accuracy
  • 90.6 progressive passes
  • 64.7 successful defensive actions
  • 79.3 percent defensive duels won
  • 48.1 percent aerial duels won (a slightly worrying stat)
  • 88.8 progressive runs
  • 4528 minutes played in 2022-23

Micky van de Ven

  • 57.7 percent passing accuracy
  • 65.5 percent forward passing accuracy
  • 33.3 progressive passes
  • 11.7 successful defensive actions
  • 29.2 percent defensive duels won
  • 49.9 percent of aerial duels won
  • 88.7 progressive runs
  • 3486 minutes played in 2022-23

Tosin Adarabioyo

  • 72.1 percent passing accuracy
  • 49.3 percent forward passing accuracy
  • 80.2 progressive passes
  • 41 successful defensive actions
  • 73.6 percent defensive duels won
  • 71.8 percent aerial duels won
  • 77.3 progressive runs
  • 2678 minutes played in 2022-23

Now for a breakdown of each player’s qualities, price tag, and probability, from one to three, of moving to north London:

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