Tottenham transfer update: Centre-back situation taking shape

Tottenham improved its rearguard immensely when it officially announced the signing of Micky van de Ven, but are more central defensive reinforcements forthcoming?

While an astute bit of business, Ashley Phillips won’t help first-team proceedings in the short term. Spurs are still lacking in terms of central depth.

van de Ven is sure to aid the leaky backline with his size, breakneck pace, and awareness on the ball, three critical attributes for a centre-back in Ange’s side.

Besides the obvious need for contingency, Spurs’ backup options are notoriously unreliable.

Eric Dier again looked out of sorts against Barcelona, with the central defender struggling to adapt to the high line and relentless press Ange expects of his rearguard.

Ben Davies, while inarguably a loyal servant of the club, can’t be counted as a first-choice centre-back against elite offensive units. If we had more depth, and a more robust selection of options, Spurs fans would surely be more at ease, as would new GK Guglielmo Vicario.

Notably, Postecoglou has made his opinion on the issue very clear:

At present, the club has looked into several viable options. In addition to the highly-rated Edmond Tapsoba, there is also an interest in the likes of Galatasaray’s Victor Nelsson in a potential swap deal involving Davinson Sanchez and Torino’s Perr Schuurs.

Both players are under the age of 25 and could be solid long-term options.

Additionally, both players have chemistry with their international counterparts already in the squad, with Nelsson and Pierre Højbjerg hailing from Denmark and van de Ven and Schuurs linking up for the Netherlands.

With the addition of van de Ven, Spurs’ transfer spending is already nearing €200m, including all add-ons, and as such, it could make sense to go after a less expensive option than Tapsoba. Spurs interest in Tapsoba has cooled significantly since the van de Ven transfer was confirmed.

This issue remains critical given the latest chapters of the Kane transfer saga and the increasing likelihood that the club will not receive the significant cash influx that would come with his move to Bayern.

If Levy is serious about backing Postecoglou’s defensive-development plan, and if Spurs are willing to dish out another €20-30m for players like Nelsson or Schuurs, we could see the vital addition of another CB before the window closes.

And that would go a long way to ensuring Tottenham have the rearguard depth required to secure an all-coveted place in the top four.