Report: Napoli snatches €35 million signing from Tottenham

This summer, Tottenham Hotspur's pursuit of defensive reinforcements was a hot and constant topic. Among the names on their wishlist was Alessandro Buongiorno, a talented centre-back who ultimately made the move from Torino to Napoli for €35 million.

Despite the addition of Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin to bolster their defensive line, Postecoglou recognised the need for further depth.

With just four established central defenders in the squad, the Spurs manager was keen on enhancing their backline options to ensure they could compete effectively in both domestic and European competitions. This pursuit of defensive talent led them to consider several players from across Europe, with Buongiorno emerging as a strong candidate.

The 25-year-old Italian defender had made quite a name for himself at Torino, establishing himself as a regular since 2020. His journey began in the youth ranks, and after a series of successful loan spells, he secured a spot in the first team, where his consistent performances caught the attention of various clubs.

Report: Napoli snatches €35 million signing from Tottenham

Buongiorno's reputation for reliability and skill made him an attractive prospect for Tottenham, especially given the increasing age of some squad members, such as Ben Davies, whose contract runs until 2025.

Reports from Calciomercato indicate that Tottenham came close to securing Buongiorno’s services during the transfer window.

Discussions were held, and there was optimism around the potential deal, especially given the player’s rising profile in Serie A. However, as the window progressed, Tottenham shifted their focus toward other targets, ultimately missing out on the chance to sign the Italian international.

Buongiorno eventually joined Napoli, who were determined to add him to their squad under the management of former Spurs boss Antonio Conte.

While Romero, van de Ven, and Dragusin bring promise, the lack of additional defensive depth could leave Spurs vulnerable as the season progresses. The Premier League's demanding schedule, coupled with the rigours of European competition, means that squad rotation and injury management will be crucial.